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• $1.6 million in mental health grants will fund annual arts programs up to three years
• Healthway grants to promote Act-Belong-Commit health message through the arts 

The funding will help promote and integrate the Act-Belong-Commit health message through the programs to increase awareness for children, young people and families on how to maintain good mental health.

Barking Gecko Theatre Company is one organisation which will receive $270,000 over the next three years to inspire children and young people to live healthy lives through programs such as the Gecko Ensembles.

The Gecko Ensembles program — theatre skills workshops in metropolitan and regional WA — helps to build participants' confidence, their ability to work in a team and connect with their creativity beyond school and amongst friends.

Over the coming three years, the program will be expanding to outer metropolitan areas such as Thornlie, and regional locations such as Kalgoorlie and Albany, employing local artists to reach more children and young people.

The State Government, through Healthway, works with funded organisations to create healthy activities and events, and promote healthy lifestyles.