By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia Shire’s youngest councillor has continued his quest to engage youth within the community.
Hot on the heels of applications for his Youth Council program opening, councillor Michael Schilling’s next youth-targeted venture is a little more simple.
Plans are in “the very beginning” stages, but the latest initiative will involve the council’s youth officers hitting the streets three days a week to connect young people with local services.
It came after Cr Schilling noticed a group of youths were continuing to hang out in the Pakenham Library’s foyer without ever going inside.
“There’s a library right next to them, and they’re not using it, so what does that say?” Cr Schilling said.
The aim, he said, was to “get to know the kids better” so the council could improve its youth services, such as My Place, the council’s hub for youth services, to get better usage and tailor services to the community.
“I see this as an opportunity, more than anything, to open up discussions,” Cr Shilling said.
“If My Place is a better location for them to hang out, it’s up to them, but we want to give them options.”
Located on Main Street, My Place offers a number of services including sexual assault and mental health support, drug and alcohol advice and job and education opportunities.
My Place also hosts FReeZA and Battle of the Bands competitions as well as a number of youth social events and school holiday programs.
“There are some great programs down there, but how aware are our youth of what is offered? That’s the sort of thing we want to find out,” Cr Schilling said.
The initiative, which will run for “a few weeks”, is expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.
Once complete, the council will reassess it services and discuss possible changes.
