YouthBiz Youth Forum
On 19 November 2008 six candidates for the Local Council of the Southern Grampians Shire met for a youth forum at YouthBiz, Hamilton. The forum gave young people in the community - as well as members of the public - a chance to come and ask questions about the shape of the shire in the future. The candidates were Paul Battista, Katrina Rainsford, Bob Penny, Frank Marcollo, Albert Calvano and Coralie Coulson.
What did they talk about?
One of the main topics that were discussed at the forum was the future of Huan park (an outdoor swimming pool in Hamilton). It was stressed by the candidates that there were many ways to keep the centre open including the work from the council members and the public in general.
Many people have been concerned over the future of the centre since the opening of the HILAC centre (an indoor swimming and leisure centre). While the community is concerned about the centre closing, there are chances for young people in the community to get involved in many other areas.
The candidates are very locally minded. Emphasis was put on youth participation. The opportunities that are on offer for young people to get involved in the community range from activities through school, community groups and other organisations. Information for young people to become involved in such activities can be found through schools, youth centres and community centres.
A youth voice in the community
Emphasis was also put on a youth voice in the community. Local council holds a regular question time which offers members of the community a chance to attend meetings and offer ideas to the council.
The candidates put a strong point forward in saying that young people do have a voice in the community and can change the shire for the better. However there seems to be a lack of participation by young people especially in rural areas due to a lack of communication between the council and people who are too young to vote.
After the debate there was a little more talking on an individual basis and new ideas were thrown around. Even though there was some uncertainty in the air there was a small sense of achievement.
With the local council elections concluded on 29 November 2008, the new councillors for the Southern Grampians Shire have been chosen. Only time will tell whether both the young people of the area and the new council members can find a way of meeting each other on a level that can be truly productive.
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