Media coverage on this topic
LOTL Online Magazine 27/01/11
SX Online Magazine 31/01/11
Sydney Star Observer Online 02/02/11
NSW ALP Blog 02/02/11
Parramatta Advertiser 14/02/11
YAPA media release: 2 February 2011
MEDIA RELEASE
The Youth Action & Policy Association (YAPA)ʼs Western Sydney Project is proud to launch Out West – a project to support the health and well-being of western Sydneyʼs same sex attracted young people (SSAYP) on February 2nd, 2011, 11am at Parramattaʼs Mars Hill Café.
NSW Minister for Youth, The Hon. Peter Primrose MLC will be attending the launch to present the YAPA Western Sydney Project with funds provided by the NSW State Government through Communities NSW to begin the project, which will include a support group for SSAYP based in Parramatta, in addition to capacity building activities to increase access to western Sydneyʼs mainstream youth services for SSAYP.
Following recommendations made by western Sydneyʼs young people attending Whatʼs Up West? The 2009 YAPA Western Sydney Youth Conference, and further planning by Outburst! The Western Sydney Youth Forum; it is encouraging to see this project, which has been driven by young people for young people, receive funding.
YAPA Western Sydney Project Coordinator, Leah Weber, is extremely impressed with both the young people she has worked with on this project, as well as the support from the NSW Government:
“Iʼm really looking forward to this project coming into fruition as a result of the hard work of western Sydneyʼs young people. Same sex attracted young people from western Sydney are often forced to travel to Sydney City to receive services and connect with their peers, so it will be great for them to have an avenue closer to home.
Many same sex attracted young people struggle with the negative impacts of homophobia and homophobic bullying. It is time to act to support the health and well being of our same sex attracted young people and it is encouraging to see the NSW State Government supporting initiatives such as Out Westʼ
Featuring guest speaker, Alex Pittaway from youth driven homophobia awareness raising organisation Wear It Purple, a performance from acclaimed Sydney singer/songwriter Sam Buckingham, support and attendance of key gay & lesbian organisations Twenty10 and ACON, and attendance by the NSW Minister for Youth; the launch is set to be an exciting beginning to this much needed project for western Sydneyʼs same sex attracted young people.
Media contact
Leah Weber - YAPA Western Sydney Project Coordinator
02 9281 5522 ext 8, 0424 024 497, email yapaws@yapa.org.au