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Introducing our Latest Changemakers - Backing the Future Cohort Five

The Backing the Future grant program, funded by VFFF and delivered with support from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), champions individuals and groups of individuals working to back young people aged 12-30 in rural and regional NSW and QLD. Backing the Future offers a $50,000 grant over 12 months for innovative projects that are focused on rural and regional young people across one or more of VFFF's four focus areas: Decent Work, Caring for the Environment, Contributing to Society and Exploring Christian Faith and Values.

Ten talented individuals from rural and regional NSW were selected in late 2024 and make up Cohort Five of Backing the Future recipients.

You can read a brief summary below of some of the the early-stage ideas to support young people in rural and regional NSW.

Backing the Future is delivered in partnership with the FRRR. To find out more about this grants program, click here.

Head shot of Danie; Souza, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Daniel Souza: Green For Youth - A new generation of composters

A project to address the critical gap in opportunities for young people to engage in regenerative agriculture. The experience of designing, expediting the development and managing of a regenerative market garden and future agriculture hub will provide local youth with inspiration, self-efficacy and promote a lifelong journey of wellbeing.

Head shot of Emily Blackburn, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Emily Blackburn: Ag Journey Australia

Development of a project to pilot an Ag Trade Field Day in Central West NSW and utilise this experience to develop a program for Ag Trade Field Day’s across NSW. The program will include agriculture industry and business contacts for real world work experience, business and organisation checklists to safely welcome work experience students, and preparation toolkits for students and teachers.

Head shot of Erifili Davis, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Erifili Davis: Inspire & Ignite: Creative industry development for young people

Inspire & Ignite will empower young creatives by providing the resources and support needed to develop their own projects with a budget, access to a co-working space, mentorship, project management and peer support. Participants will build transferable skills, offering an opportunity for self-expression they might not otherwise have, and to network and collaborate with others.

Head shot of Holly Ahern, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Holly Ahern: PUBLIC PLAYGROUND

"PUBLIC PLAYGROUND" is a youth-led initiative designed to empower young people by giving them the tools, mentorship, and platform to transform public spaces in their communities. Participants will engage in co-designed workshops, develop artworks, and showcase their works in a public space.

Head shot of Kal Glanznig, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Kal Glanznig: Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership

A program that tackles eco-anxiety among young Australians by providing them with practical mental health tools and inspiring them to take environmental action. The program emphasises that hope lies in action, empowering youth to realise their potential to create positive change and become future ocean leaders.

Head shot of Jake Dempsey, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Jake Dempsey: Bega Valley Video Game Nights

A program to help to build back community connectedness and brood resilience in our youth by utilising video games, a digital glue connecting local youths in a world of boundless imagination, hilarious competition, comradery and fun.

Head shot of Lewis Jonker, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Lewis Jonker: Art & Truth: Sharing Faith Through Creative Expression

A project to mentor 12 young people from the Central Coast, helping them to share their story of Christian faith through creative works. The program includes workshops focused on storytelling, artistic expression, and community engagement, culminating in a live showcase of their work and an online archive.

Head shot of Jen Goodwin, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Jen Goodwin: More Than Quirky: Rural & Regional Empowerment Program

More Than Quirky works individually with families of neurodivergent children to empower neurodivergent young people to thrive in education, employment, and society. The program aims to provide insight, understanding, information, tailored neuroaffirming strategies, support, advocacy, and health roadmaps.

Head shot of Miica Balint, Backing the Future Grant recipient

Miica Balint: Northern Rivers Independent Press

A project to spring-board young writers into creative fields with an annual printed magazine to bring the voices of our ever-growing collective into a tangible piece of art. Our approach will be pillared by editor and publishing knowledge, industry training, fair pay for up-and-coming writers, idea-sharing, and a collective goal to sustain print.