Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (CGLLEN) will be forced to close before the end of 2027 unless a public fundraising campaign can generate enough support to keep its youth programs operational.

CGLLEN launched the Fund their Futures campaign this week, in response to a funding restructure that has significantly changed the financial landscape for LLENs across the state.

CGLLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty said the restructure has removed the backbone support the organisation needs to help expose local young people to a diverse range of career pathways, build confidence and aspiration and prepare for the workforce.

“The loss of this funding will significantly reduce our capacity to deliver valuable careers education activities in schools and connect students with local industries and employers. It will also have significant flow on effects for our other programs. As it stands, our TAC L2P Program, MATES Mentoring, Resilient Ararat, Passport to Employment and VIC VICE are all at risk,” Ms Moriarty said.

In a bid to remain viable, CGLLEN is actively applying for external funding while simultaneously seeking support from local partners and the wider community through the Fund their Futures campaign.

While the implementation of all CGLLEN’s programs will remain unchanged in 2026, a decision on the organisation’s future will be made by the Board of Management at the end of November.

Ms Moriarty said the organisation is appealing to businesses and community members to invest in the futures of local young people by making a tax-deductible donation via the CGLLEN website.

“The decision to reach out publicly for financial support is not one that was made lightly, but we believe our programs are worth fighting for,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Over many years, we have developed a broad range of programs to keep students engaged in their education and provide pathways to employment. These programs have been carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the community and fill service gaps that inevitably exist in small towns like ours. It would be devastating for our young people to lose a program like MATES that helps them build confidence, develop social skills and achieve personal growth through one-on-one mentoring.”

CGLLEN Board Chair, Janine Adams said she is passionate about the work CGLLEN does and highlighted the importance of securing additional funding. 

“For nearly 25 years, CGLLEN has built networks with local schools, industry partners and the wider community. It has been an outstanding proactive organisation and resource to the Stawell and Ararat communities,” Ms Adams said.

“If we don’t get community support, then CGLLEN will cease to exist. We need to invest in local young people because they are our future.”

For more information on CGLLEN’s Fund their Futures campaign, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please 

PHOTO: Central Grampians LLEN Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty and Board of Management Chair, Janine Adams are urging the community to invest in local young people by supporting the Fund their Futures campaign