EXTREME sports and more youth-driven community events are a few suggestions one young Mount Gambier resident hopes to see held in the near future.
Attending headspace’s new year party on Wednesday, Bec Tracey shared her opinion with The Border Watch that more activities could be readily available for young people.
Ms Tracey said she was aware of the many activities headspace held, but never knew of others hosted in the region.
“I am sure there would be others, but I always hear of headspace’s on the radio, in the newspaper or just online,” she said.
“I would definitely like to see more activities pop up for kids to participate in during the school holidays.
“We have The Rail and other great attractions here like the Blue Lake … they are there, why not use them more?”
Ms Tracey said she believed if people were aware, opportunities would attract a great crowd similar to that of Wednesday’s party.
“I went to the Blue Lake and Valley Lakes with my sister and a volunteer recently for a walk, but if there was free transport to the lakes I could do it every day,” she said.
“It could possibly be a mini bus which went to and from there a couple of times during the week.
“There are a lot of people who do not have transport readily available.
“If people do not have support, they can isolate themselves because you just do not want to go anywhere … this could help that.”
As a person who likes to give all things in life a go, Ms Tracey said she would love to see some bungee jumping and sky diving options at the Blue Lake and Valley Lake precinct.
“You only live once, why not just live it,” she said.
“Sometimes presentations and activities cannot be for everybody so an adrenaline-rush might be exactly what the Mount Gambier community needs.
“If there was an option, I could confidently guarantee there would be heaps of people who would do it.”
Ms Tracey said she would suggest to have options available not just during the school holidays, but also after school and on the weekends as well.
“I know the Mount Gambier Library is open on Saturday so maybe if events were held then, it would bring people out my age to socialise,” she said.
Having involvement with headspace for around five years, Ms Tracey commended the organisation for its efforts for being so involved with the community.
“I think what headspace offers is great, especially for young people like myself who do not particularly like to socialise,” she said.
“They always inform you well in advance so you can plan weeks ahead.
“Hopefully I can become more involved with activities to help boost my social skills and hopefully other people can too.”
headspace Mount Gambier community liaison worker Mikarla Papini said the youth new year party aimed to start 2020 with a positive note.
“We have tried to have as much run by youth here as possible including musicians, activities, challenges and stalls,” she said.
“Everything is based around developing a healthy head space, which is what we are all about.”
Ms Papini said headspace was always approached by young people believing there was not enough for them to do during the holiday period.
“Sometimes it is true, but other times it is just about them not knowing about it or are reluctant to get out of their comfort zone to try new things,” she said.
“I think there are lots of things for kids to do, but it can be a bit of a quiet time during the new year when sport is not on.
“Hosting the party in the school holidays is great, because it can be a period when people lack connections with others and are struggling for things to do.”
Thanking all support headspace received for the event, Ms Papini said she would love to see more events and activities ran by young people pop up in the community to showcase their talents.
