Eclipse Soils announces four-year funding commitment to support youth development programs in Kwinana

A Kwinana soil and mulch company says the future of the area is so bright that it makes sense to renew its long-term association with local youth development programs. Eclipse Soils has extended its long-term funding support with a further $480,000 over the next four years to support the Leadership Youth and Respect in Kwinana program. “Given the transformation that will occur in the Kwinana region with the development of both Westport and the AUKUS projects, we feel it is critical that local young people be given every chance to share in the opportunities that these once in a generation projects will bring,” Trevor Delroy, the founder of Eclipse Soil’s parent company Marford Group, said. Alongside creating a new LYRiK scholarship for environment and sustainability, the funding will also go towards new categories included in the program’s annual award ceremony. The $120,000 per year will also support the YouThrive Pathways Program, the Kwinana youth advisory council, add an environment and sustainability stream to the Kwinana Youth Impact Grants, and support the Koorliny Arts Centre’s STEM programming during school holidays. Mayor Peter Feasey said the money would also help expand opportunities for meaningful employment through exposure to new skills, services and experiences. “Equipping the next generation by supporting their growth and community pride aligns with our vision for more vibrant and inclusive locals that leads with innovation and sustainability,” he said. It follows Premier Roger Cook’s $30,000 election commitment — in his capacity as Kwinana MLA — earlier this year for youth music studio Kwinana Beats. Kwinana Beats supports self-expression, enabling young people to gather to write, record and produce their own music. ”Youth in Kwinana are very important to me,” Mr Cook said. “That’s why I committed funding to the Kwinana Beats music studio to help young people engage more in music. I’m also glad to see local businesses investing in youth initiatives in Kwinana.”