THE recently appointed South Australian Children and Young People Commissioner visited Mount Gambier to meet the city’s youth advisory group.
In an effort to identify priorities for the new independent agency, Commissioner Helen Connolly met with group members and affiliates on June 16 to discuss topics of interest for youth in the South East.
The Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group wrote a letter in support of launching the role around two years ago.
After Ms Connolly was appointed the first South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People in April, she put the city at the top of her list as part of her “listening tour”.
Ms Connolly’s role aims to provide children and young people with an effective voice to identify their needs and expectations towards total inclusion within society and its various communities.
During the meeting, Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group and Headspace Youth Reference Group members highlighted issues and challenges for young people living in Mount Gambier and its surrounds.
Touching on topics including racism, independent housing affordability, unemployment, homelessness, study opportunities, same-sex marriage, drugs and violence, Ms Connolly was given a thorough insight to life as a young person in the city.
City of Mount Gambier councillor Josh Lynagh said the meeting was productive and insightful.
“The fact the commissioner chose to start her statewide tour here in Mount Gambier as a response to the Mount Gambier Youth Advisory Group’s letter was a great sign of respect and appreciation,” he said.
“Throughout the meeting, she asked all the right questions and really listened to what young people had to say, which was a refreshing change from previous experiences with politicians in regards to youth affairs.
“Too often those in regional areas, particularly youth, feel their views and concerns aren’t being heard, so it was great to have someone who really seemed to listen.”
Ms Connolly visited a number of schools and early childhood facilities throughout the area and also met with Mount Gambier councillors and Mayor Andrew Lee.
She was a guest speaker at two Mount Gambier Empowering a Community of Learners events, including a session titled Play Grows Brains at the Mount Gambier Library on June 15.
Ms Connolly dropped into the Migrant Resource Centre ahead of the centre’s 10 year celebrations since the first Karen and Karenni families settled in Mount Gambier, which was held on Saturday.
Before leaving the city, Ms Connolly made an address at the TAFE SA Limestone Coast Early Childhood Forum.
