Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith joined Liberal candidate for Ripon, Louise Staley and The Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner on the steps of Stawell Town Hall on Wednesday, to announce that seven groups in Ripon will receive funding to support a range of initiatives for young people.

The programs help young people develop skills, build confidence and make new connections for life after school.

Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network will receive $210,000 to support youth projects in Stawell and Ararat, while Northern Grampians Shire Council will receive $150,000 in Engage! funding to build leadership skills and create training opportunities for young people.

The shire's Youth Action Council (YAC) will use the grant to continue its work in the community and implement key objectives contained in its first ever Youth Strategy.

The strategy was officially launched by Member for Western Victoria Region Simon Ramsay earlier this month.

The document, compiled by the YAC, aims to improve life for young people living in the municipality by focusing on four key areas. These are Recreation and events, health, safety and wellbeing, education and employment, leadership and community connections.

Cr Wayne Rice said council was pleased to see the strategy completed and welcomed news that the YAC had received funding to implement key projects and events.

"The YAC has been working hard on this document for almost two years now. We know that they've undertaken a lot of research and put a great deal of time and effort in to produce what we think is a fairly impressive strategy," he said.

"We're now looking forward to seeing the YAC roll out the actions contained within the plan and seeing the positive effect this will have on the young people of our municipality.”

Pyrenees Shire Council will also receive $100,000 to support initiatives that engage young people in decision making.

Ms Staley said the funding will help more young people in the Ripon area connect with their community and live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.

“These programs build on the Napthine Government’s commitment to give young Victorians more opportunities to get involved in their local community and develop skills that will help them in education and along employment pathways,” she said.

Mr Smith said the investment in the Ripon electorate forms part of the Napthine Government’s $12 million Engage program.

“Through the Engage program, more than 100 Victorian organisations are assisting young people to make the most of volunteering and mentoring opportunities, enabling them to develop wide-ranging skills for education, training and employment,” he said.

Mr Turner said the Napthine Government is committed to partnering with local organisations to support young people.

“The Engage program is another example of how the Coalition Government is working with the community to give young people more opportunities to follow their dreams and achieve their best,” he said.

The development of the YAC’s first ever Youth Strategy was funded by the State Government’s 2012-2014 Engage! program, from which Council received $90,000.

Copies of the strategy are available from Council’s customer services centres and at various other locations around the shire.

The strategy can also be downloaded from Council’s website at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au