Youth give the answers

By Melissa Meehan
YOUTH issues in Cardinia Shire are a major talking point.
Some say there’s not a lot on offer for the young community; others say it’s the reason for the crime and vandalism in townships across the shire.
As part of Youth Week, the Gazette asked our readers what they thought would fix the problem.
Pakenham 18-year-old Josh Salmon answered the call, and said after living in Pakenham for 15 years he was surprised that with all the housing development in the area there was nothing for the youth of the town.
“As the vice-captain at Pakenham Secondary College in 2009 I worked closely with other students in other year levels,” Josh said.
“Almost all students said there was absolutely nothing to do in this area.”
Josh said, now that he had his licence, he found himself travelling to Fountain Gate once or twice a week for something to do.
“I think a cinema complex or perhaps a bowling alley would do our community a lot of justice,” he said.
“And you will soon discover crime and vandalism will eventually be eradicated because youths will stop roaming the streets.”
Joanne Arrowsmith said while her older children loved the new bus service down to Pakenham from Gembrook, there wasn’t much to do once they got to the town unless they got a train to Fountain Gate.
“We need movies, bowling and activities like that for them to do,” she said.
“It may give kids a reason to keep off the streets.”
Cardinia Shire Councillor Brett Owen said he understood the need for youth facilities in the area and would support private enterprises like a cinema or bowling alley moving into the shire.
He also said he would like to see a number of council supported facilities like a multi-use motorsports facility (with a strong focus on motor safety education), a dedicated council youth facility (providing youth programs, information/counselling and support services) as well as additional sporting facilities.
Council spokesperson Andrea Bortolin said the shire provided many opportunities for young people in the area to enjoy themselves including the regional tennis centre, school holidays programs and other activities.