Media Release –
Cathy McGowan launches ACRE and new opportunities for young people –
Cathy McGowan, Federal member for Indi will officially launch the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) in Beechworth on 20 May.
ACRE exists to build thriving rural communities through igniting entrepreneurship in young people and their communities.
ACRE has received significant philanthropic backing to develop a pilot program and provide programs to support local government, business and community groups.
ACRE Co-founder and CEO, Matt Pfahlert said ACRE was formed in response to declining rural communities and opportunities for young people.
“We’re delighted that the Yulgilbar Foundation, the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation can see real opportunities for our program across Victoria,” Mr Pfahlert said.
“Given we started the Social Enterprise in Schools pilot program in 11 schools this year, the time is now right to officially launch ACRE so that the spotlight is put on new opportunities for young people. Our vision is to have entrepreneurial talent valued in the same way we already value talented young artists, scholars and athletes,” he said.
The Social Enterprise in Schools program is based on a similar program that has been running in Scotland for 10 years, through the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA).
“We have a partnership in place with SEA and their Chief Operating Officer, Sam Baumber will also be here for the launch,” he said.
“We have been working in the background with government, business, and community leaders to build an enabling environment for entrepreneurship in rural and regional communities.”
Mr Pfahlert said this holistic approach offers young people and their communities the possibility to move from a job-seeker to job-creator mindset.
ACRE is currently screening Most Likely to Succeed, an inspiring film that will get people talking about the skills and education approaches needed for the new future of work.
“It challenges the status quo by highlighting new project-based learning approaches to education.”
Most Likely to Succeed will screen in Beechworth on Friday evening. For more information and to book your seat at one of the film screenings, visit ACRE at www.acre.org.au
ENDS