Youth Sector Development Project Kempsey Consultation – September 2008 Prepared by Julie Gill – Manager Mid North Coast Regional Council for Social Development

Youth Plan Priorities Education/Employment Education/Employment Young people have opportunities for rewarding and positive lives Young people have opportunities for rewarding and positive lives Health and safety Health and safety Young people feel and are safe Participation in decision making Participation in decision making The community values young peoples participation and opinions

Planning Key partners Key partners DoCS, MNCRCSD, Kempsey Shire Council Other partners Other partners Local schools, Wesley Employment, Police Youth Liaison Officer, Kempsey Family and Community Centre, Centacare, South West Rocks Community Services and Kempsey Family Support Services Youth involvement Youth involvementLeadership Kempsey YAC. 2 youth leaders per group to lead session, welcome to country, website Entertainment Entertainment Smoking Joe Robinson Food Food Take away pizza

Planning cont. Questions - Education Questions - Education What would the perfect school look like? Why do you think young people leave the area after they finish school? What could be done to make our communities more youth friendly? Questions – Safety What sort of things make you feel safe? What sort of things make you feel unsafe? What happens at parties? Are there any services in your local area where you could turn to if you needed help? What about after hours? Are there any safe places where young people can hang out in your area? What makes it a safe place?

Planning cont Questions – Health Questions – Health What do you think the main health issues are for young people? What could be done to make young people healthier ? Questions – Participation and decision making Government and services are interested in knowing what young people want. How do you think young people could give them that information? Do you think the community values young people? What could be done to improve that?

Days schedule Welcome to Country Welcome to Country Youth Survey Youth Survey Youth Consultations Youth Consultations Entertainment Entertainment Food Food

Results - Education What would the perfect school look like? Newer facilities and nicer aesthetics Newer facilities and nicer aesthetics More technologically focused (ei video conferencing, distance education options) More technologically focused (ei video conferencing, distance education options) Better music equipment Better music equipment More sporting equipment – Gym, pool, water sports, sporting academy, options for girls More sporting equipment – Gym, pool, water sports, sporting academy, options for girls More green spaces More green spaces More extra curricular activities such as discos and sport More extra curricular activities such as discos and sport More subject choice and non expensive, quality subject choice More subject choice and non expensive, quality subject choice Workshop options Workshop options More fun, creative options, enjoyable courses, relaxed teachers More fun, creative options, enjoyable courses, relaxed teachers Free tutoring and teacher support for distance education Free tutoring and teacher support for distance education Better communication between schools – more interaction, Better communication between schools – more interaction, gala days, interschool activities More parent involvement (P&C) More parent involvement (P&C)

Results Education cont. More Student Representative Council fundraisers More Student Representative Council fundraisers Gifted and talented programs Gifted and talented programs More options for work experience More options for work experience Homework Centres that everyone can access and specialised teaching support Homework Centres that everyone can access and specialised teaching support Creative options Creative options Better toilets, lockers, and vending machines Better toilets, lockers, and vending machines More accessible library (flexible hours) More accessible library (flexible hours) Shorter days, lunchtime activities, and excursion options Shorter days, lunchtime activities, and excursion options Better support (ei mentors through HSC) Better support (ei mentors through HSC) Better student to teacher ratio Better student to teacher ratio High school and tertiary education located closer together High school and tertiary education located closer together Combine schools for subjects that dont have enough numbers so more community sense between schools. Combine schools for subjects that dont have enough numbers so more community sense between schools. Breakfast programs Breakfast programs Rewards for attendance/good work – holidays, trips, excursions Rewards for attendance/good work – holidays, trips, excursions More encouragement More encouragement Get students to feedback on what they think about how they are taught Get students to feedback on what they think about how they are taught

Results Education cont. People go to school for sport and friends People go to school for sport and friends Kempsey is disadvantaged when compared with the subject choice offered in cities like Sydney Kempsey is disadvantaged when compared with the subject choice offered in cities like Sydney Clear, supported exit points along the continuum and links to employment and other education pathways would reduce stress encourage people to finish school. Clear, supported exit points along the continuum and links to employment and other education pathways would reduce stress encourage people to finish school. Study space and time – computers in study room. Study space and time – computers in study room. OOSH (Out of School Hours) Care – should be available at school. This would be good for kids who dont have a good environment at home. OOSH (Out of School Hours) Care – should be available at school. This would be good for kids who dont have a good environment at home.

Results Education cont. Why do you think young people leave the area after they finish school? No local opportunities No local opportunities No local jobs, more jobs elsewhere No local jobs, more jobs elsewhere The conception that Kempsey is a hole makes people want to go and see new areas The conception that Kempsey is a hole makes people want to go and see new areas Not enough tertiary/further education here TAFE and UNI Not enough tertiary/further education here TAFE and UNI Nothing to do Nothing to do No transport No transport Not enough recreation activities Not enough recreation activities Not enough places to hang out Not enough places to hang out

Results Education cont. What could be done to help young people who have already left school? More TAFE courses – flexible, More TAFE courses – flexible, More incentives and programs are needed to encourage young people to get jobs. More incentives and programs are needed to encourage young people to get jobs. Better recognition of the particular skills that young people have, and more opportunity to develop and apply them Better recognition of the particular skills that young people have, and more opportunity to develop and apply them More apprenticeships More apprenticeships A University A University Awareness about programs available Awareness about programs available Better connection between employment programs and schools Better connection between employment programs and schools More opportunity in school to build resume More opportunity in school to build resume Better transport Better transport Jobs skills/life skills compulsory in all years (commerce and money lessons) Jobs skills/life skills compulsory in all years (commerce and money lessons) Internet cafes Internet cafes Services to build life skills (driving lessons, driver safety programs) Services to build life skills (driving lessons, driver safety programs) Local library - better technology and computers etc. Local library - better technology and computers etc.

Results Education cont. Free school base tutoring Free school base tutoring School more open – available for all youth, not just ones still in school. School more open – available for all youth, not just ones still in school. More information about programs and opportunities through school newsletter, paper, Star FM, Internet – list for all youth (Sign up, efficient system) More information about programs and opportunities through school newsletter, paper, Star FM, Internet – list for all youth (Sign up, efficient system) For people who have already left school to have more motivators, inspiration talks. For example bring in Dhunghutti Elders to teach Aboriginal Studies For people who have already left school to have more motivators, inspiration talks. For example bring in Dhunghutti Elders to teach Aboriginal Studies Life skills/Lifestyle class run either compulsory or kept open for people who are not in school. Eg: Cooking, cleaning, financial aspects i.e. Loans, managing accounts and bills Life skills/Lifestyle class run either compulsory or kept open for people who are not in school. Eg: Cooking, cleaning, financial aspects i.e. Loans, managing accounts and bills More access to op-shops furniture (to give young people a place to get started). More access to op-shops furniture (to give young people a place to get started). Youth mentors (one on one support Youth mentors (one on one support Youth services Youth services Parent support group Parent support group Sporting and other activities – PCYC Sporting and other activities – PCYC Variety of things to do (Boxing, surfing, youth events Variety of things to do (Boxing, surfing, youth events Career advice/counsellors Career advice/counsellors

Results Education cont. What could be done to make our communities more youth friendly? What could be done to make our communities more youth friendly?

Results - Safety What sort of things make you feel unsafe? What sort of things make you feel unsafe? Police Police Not being there when you need them Not being there when you need them Lack of communication Lack of communication Discrimination against youth Discrimination against youth They moralise so we dont bother reporting to them They moralise so we dont bother reporting to them Fighting – violence Fighting – violence Skate park – fights, being stood over Skate park – fights, being stood over Cant trust people in Kempsey Cant trust people in Kempsey Nowhere safe places for youth to go to at night Nowhere safe places for youth to go to at night Robberies Robberies Trucks along the highway through town Trucks along the highway through town

Results - Safety cont. Not enough lighting around the town Not enough lighting around the town Discrimination and segregation between communities Discrimination and segregation between communities Drunks – People drinking in the street Drunks – People drinking in the street Paedophiles Paedophiles People on drugs People on drugs Not enough support Not enough support Family (for some) Family (for some) Youth vandals Youth vandals Bullying, particularly on buses – good bus drivers take control Bullying, particularly on buses – good bus drivers take control Tough attitudes Tough attitudes Community fear of youth Community fear of youth PCYC is not safe PCYC is not safe No transport No transport

Results – Safety cont. What happens at parties? Drinking alcohol – Parents / older siblings buy alcohol. Problem for young teenagers – years get smashed. Older teens grow out of getting drunk and only drink socially. Drinking alcohol – Parents / older siblings buy alcohol. Problem for young teenagers – years get smashed. Older teens grow out of getting drunk and only drink socially. Have fights Have fights Take drugs – sharing drugs Take drugs – sharing drugs Drink drive Drink drive Fun, dance, socialise Fun, dance, socialise Unwanted and unsafe sex (rape) – when under the influence of stuff we normally wouldnt do Unwanted and unsafe sex (rape) – when under the influence of stuff we normally wouldnt do Hurt, bashed, rapped, robbed - Need a place to have a safe party and someone sensible to go to get help Hurt, bashed, rapped, robbed - Need a place to have a safe party and someone sensible to go to get help Theft / vandalism, gate crasher problems Theft / vandalism, gate crasher problems Risk taking (walking back home or lift with drunk person – no transport) Risk taking (walking back home or lift with drunk person – no transport) Drink spiking Drink spiking Peer pressure Peer pressure Need safe places to hold parties, and parents to be involved Need safe places to hold parties, and parents to be involved Police needs to crack down on headland at SRW. SWR kids taking pingers Police needs to crack down on headland at SRW. SWR kids taking pingers

Results - Safety cont. Are there any services in your local area where you could turn if you needed help? Not police Not police Case worker Case worker Job Networks - Wesley Job Networks - Wesley Youth refuge – Not anymore, closing down next week Youth refuge – Not anymore, closing down next week Centrelink Centrelink Hospital, ambulance, fire fighters Hospital, ambulance, fire fighters Kids helpline – crime stoppers Kids helpline – crime stoppers Neighbourhood Centres Neighbourhood Centres Counsellors (although school counselors breach confidentiality) Counsellors (although school counselors breach confidentiality) Coaches / team leaders, teachers, Church Chaplain Coaches / team leaders, teachers, Church Chaplain

Results - Safety cont. What about after hours services? Family Family Police - (Not the police at SWR or Crescent Head, it takes them too long to respond) Police - (Not the police at SWR or Crescent Head, it takes them too long to respond) Booze bus – night patrol Hospital Booze bus – night patrol Hospital Kids Helpline Kids Helpline Youth refuge Youth refuge

Results - Safety cont. Are there any safe places where young people can hang out in your area? PCYC – of a day, not at night PCYC – of a day, not at night Home Home No, nothing at SWR No, nothing at SWR The park at Frederickton The park at Frederickton What makes it a safe place? People you know and trust and can get help if needed People you know and trust and can get help if needed Community ties Community ties Protection and security Protection and security Parents Parents

Results - Health What do you think are the main Health issues for young people? STDs STDs Drugs, alcohol, smoking, petrol sniffing Drugs, alcohol, smoking, petrol sniffing Depression, self harm, suicide, ADHD Depression, self harm, suicide, ADHD Body image Body image Obesity, diet Obesity, diet Fighting Fighting Food cost and lack of income – hard to get cheap healthy food Food cost and lack of income – hard to get cheap healthy food Diabetes, cancer, dental health Diabetes, cancer, dental health Poverty Poverty Sporting injuries Sporting injuries

Results - Health cont. What can be done to help young people become healthier? Making healthy food more affordable, food vouchers for the poor Making healthy food more affordable, food vouchers for the poor Fresh food in school canteens, lunch provided at school, juice bars, promotion through guest speakers Fresh food in school canteens, lunch provided at school, juice bars, promotion through guest speakers Variety of choices of exercise at school. Make sport compulory Variety of choices of exercise at school. Make sport compulory PCYC open on weekends and more programs offered (fitness, touch football) PCYC open on weekends and more programs offered (fitness, touch football) Better promotion of health foods to youth (ei young people are always featured in junk food advertisements) Better promotion of health foods to youth (ei young people are always featured in junk food advertisements) More sporting activities (year round), activities at the surf club More sporting activities (year round), activities at the surf club Interesting education on depression and healthy eating (Beyond Blue regularly at school) Interesting education on depression and healthy eating (Beyond Blue regularly at school) Approachable, drop in counselors who maintain confidentiality (male and female) Approachable, drop in counselors who maintain confidentiality (male and female) Drop in medical appointment systems, traveling doctors, better transport to medical facilities Drop in medical appointment systems, traveling doctors, better transport to medical facilities More funding for emergency departments More funding for emergency departments

Results - Health cont. More dry zones – alcohol More dry zones – alcohol Government funding – food vouchers for the poor Government funding – food vouchers for the poor Focus on changing attitudes towards smoking and eating junk food Focus on changing attitudes towards smoking and eating junk food Provide other forms of entertainment to detract from drinking Provide other forms of entertainment to detract from drinking Introduce weight loss programs in schools (gym) Introduce weight loss programs in schools (gym) Tax bad foods – use money for healthy lifestyle programs Tax bad foods – use money for healthy lifestyle programs Promote education to families and schools Promote education to families and schools Doctors and nutritionists to schools (like dentists) Doctors and nutritionists to schools (like dentists) Youth school nurses – encourage youth to work, easier to relate to Youth school nurses – encourage youth to work, easier to relate to Encourage and create incentives to become healthier eg competition Encourage and create incentives to become healthier eg competition School to employ a nutritionist School to employ a nutritionist Reduce homework to make more time for sport and reduce stress Reduce homework to make more time for sport and reduce stress Young people to become aware of what they are eating Young people to become aware of what they are eating Talks about people who have overcome health issues and how they overcome it Talks about people who have overcome health issues and how they overcome it Start healthy diets from home – encouragement and incentives for parents Start healthy diets from home – encouragement and incentives for parents Gym should be funded by the government Gym should be funded by the government

Results - Participation in decision making Government and services are interested in knowing what young people want. How do you think young people could give them that information? Ask us, give us a chance to have a say, Consult youth on relevant decisions Ask us, give us a chance to have a say, Consult youth on relevant decisions Letters, surveys, petitions, posters, notice boards Letters, surveys, petitions, posters, notice boards My Space, U Tube, , – every one uses it My Space, U Tube, , – every one uses it Youth forums – like today, more needed. Youth get to have a say Youth forums – like today, more needed. Youth get to have a say Newsletters, community newsletters Newsletters, community newsletters Feedback website, blogs Feedback website, blogs Through School Through School Sending reps to talk to youth (politicians) Sending reps to talk to youth (politicians) Ring them up Ring them up Discussion groups Discussion groups Suggestion box Suggestion box At PCYC, going to where the young people hang out At PCYC, going to where the young people hang out

Results - Participation in decision making. cont Do you think the community values young people? No – Youth get blamed for everything ; they try to get rid of us No – Youth get blamed for everything ; they try to get rid of us They expect us to act like adults They expect us to act like adults Make us do everything because we are young Make us do everything because we are young Try to bring us up the way they were brought up Try to bring us up the way they were brought up Shop keepers are arrogant, they always think we are up to something Shop keepers are arrogant, they always think we are up to something Racism Racism People get judged on face value – usually negative, usually spoken to, not asked People get judged on face value – usually negative, usually spoken to, not asked Police pick on P platers – no trust – asking for more ID Police pick on P platers – no trust – asking for more ID Generalise us all Generalise us all Nothing for youth other than skate park Nothing for youth other than skate park Dont listen to youth advice Dont listen to youth advice Parents think they know what we want Parents think they know what we want Conflicting interests with parents Conflicting interests with parents

Results - Participation in decision making. cont How does the community value young people? Some organised sport Some organised sport Achievers are supported Achievers are supported Incentives/bribery – you do this and you get that (this is good and bad) Incentives/bribery – you do this and you get that (this is good and bad)

Results - Participation in decision making. cont What could be done to improve that? PCYC is out of the way, no one knows where it is or want to go because of the location PCYC is out of the way, no one knows where it is or want to go because of the location Community to come together, discussions – education, what are we doing now? Community to come together, discussions – education, what are we doing now? Give youth a chance to make their own decisions Give youth a chance to make their own decisions Positive media output Positive media output Education about racism Education about racism Provide course activities for youth to show positive youth image Provide course activities for youth to show positive youth image Learn about history of KMC Learn about history of KMC More funding for youth activities More funding for youth activities Places for youth to hang out Places for youth to hang out Promoting positive things that could come out of KMC i.e. heritage, beaches Promoting positive things that could come out of KMC i.e. heritage, beaches Low cost transport for youth, especially weekends Low cost transport for youth, especially weekends

Results - Participation in decision making. cont RSL needs to have discos again RSL needs to have discos again Stop talking about negatives, think more about positives, focus on achievements Stop talking about negatives, think more about positives, focus on achievements Provide workshops, youth programs, skate comps, events aimed at youth Provide workshops, youth programs, skate comps, events aimed at youth Respect young people Respect young people Better communication between youth and adults in terms of parents, police etc Better communication between youth and adults in terms of parents, police etc Better show, more events, life skills, art galleries aimed at youth Better show, more events, life skills, art galleries aimed at youth More youth forums More youth forums Sell some pubs, put money into youth instead Sell some pubs, put money into youth instead Build something for youth, and get youth involved Build something for youth, and get youth involved UNI should be free and schools should be upgraded UNI should be free and schools should be upgraded Game centre combined with neighbourhood centre Game centre combined with neighbourhood centre

Young peoples feedback about the forum Wesley asked me if I wanted to come along; I said yeah, then I thought no I wont go, all they do at these things is talk at you. I went anyway, and look, you couldnt shut me up! I felt like we really had a say Wesley asked me if I wanted to come along; I said yeah, then I thought no I wont go, all they do at these things is talk at you. I went anyway, and look, you couldnt shut me up! I felt like we really had a say It was great to have the day run by peers It was great to have the day run by peers I didnt like too many probing questions that repeated themselves I didnt like too many probing questions that repeated themselves The room was crowded and it was hard to hear The room was crowded and it was hard to hear We loved have Jo come along and perform, and talk to us We loved have Jo come along and perform, and talk to us It was useful It was useful We had a say We had a say Pizza and the day off school. That was mad Pizza and the day off school. That was mad It was fun It was fun Where do we go from here? How can we get involved in the next step and talk to the decision makers Where do we go from here? How can we get involved in the next step and talk to the decision makers This is great, but our parents and the wider community need to hear what we have to say, not just services and decision makers This is great, but our parents and the wider community need to hear what we have to say, not just services and decision makers