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Internet gives local youth a voice

Posted on January 7, 2009, 5:05pm and updated on January 8, 2009 at 3:19 pm

A Facebook group has been created to give Mount Gambier young people a voice.

Tired of complaining there is nothing to do in Mount Gambier, some young residents have put their words into action, using the internet to get their message across.

A page has been created on the Facebook social networking site, titled “Mount Gambier … not a town for youth”.

Although it was only created a few days ago the group already has 41 members and another 300 people have been invited.

The group says in its tag line it was created for young people who either live, or have lived in Mount Gambier to share their views on what the city lacks.

The group’s creator Craig Maria said he hoped to eventually turn those opinions and ideas into action to give Mount Gambier what the youth really need.

“I created the group because no matter where you go, someone is always whinging about how Mount Gambier is not youth orientated,” Mr Maria said.

“I just thought there’s no point standing around whinging, if you’re not willing to bring new ideas to the table.

“I would like to find out what people’s opinions are about the town and what they would like changed so that hopefully we can pass those messages on and have our voices heard.”

Mr Maria’s page is not the only Facebook group dedicated to Mount Gambier, with at least 50 other groups coming up when searching for the city.

While most were created for schools or community groups, some of the most popular are “Mount Gambier Born ‘N’ Bred” with 709 members, “Yes, I’m from Mount Gambier. No, I don’t know who that is” with 615 and “Mount Gambier High School” with 759 members.

Mr Maria said while he understood the page may be used to vent negativity, he hoped some good ideas would still come from it.

“Mount Gambier is a great place and I love living here, but after 5pm there’s nothing for young people to do,” he said.

“I think council needs to understand that not everyone loves this town and something needs to be done about it.”

City councillor and youth portfolio holder Daniel McDonough said council definitely had a desire to engage with local young people.

“It is great to see young people taking an interest in what is going on in their local community and actually being proactive in an attempt to achieve an outcome, rather than just complain,” Cr McDonough said.%0

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