MASP’s 2025 Youth Mentoring Program cohort has concluded their trek of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory.
The group, consisting of 14 mentees from Mildura and Swan Hill as well as their community mentors and MASP staff, returned to North West Victoria on Thursday following the six-day hike.
“The trek was a fitting end to the months of training the group did together,” MASP Youth Mentoring Coordinator Mark Jamieson said.
“It was pleasing to see the growth in the young people over the course of the program as they connected with their mentors and learned more about what they can be capable of if they push themselves against challenges they may face in life.
“Thanks must go to our volunteer mentors who have given up their time to come along and make a positive difference for these young people.”
The MASP Youth Mentoring Program was established in 2006 to recruit and train adults from the local community to provide mentoring and support to the young people participating in the program. The program provides mentoring opportunities for young people who may be coping with difficult life circumstances and/or have limited access to positive adult role models.
Since its inception the program has positively impacted the loves of more than 250 participants, helping them successfully connect or re-connect themselves with family, education, and the community.
MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said the program continued to be a successful avenue for MASP to make a difference in the Mallee.
“For almost 20 years now the MASP Youth Mentoring Program has been a large part of the organisation’s effort to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our communities,” she said.
“I look forward to this continuing well into the future.”
If you would like more information on the MASP Youth Mentoring Program please contact the Program Coordinator Mark Jamieson at mjamieson@masp.org.au or Youth Services Coordinator Anita McDonald (Swan Hill) at amcdonald@masp.org.au.
You can also follow the MASP Youth Mentoring Program on Instagram @maspyouthmentoring or on Facebook.
