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Coordinated Approach To Schoolies IdentifiedBass Coast Mayor, John Duscher and CEO, Allan Bawden have met with James Merlino, the Minister for Youth Affairs, to discuss Council’s Summer Safety Program. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 11th December 2009 - Back to News In particular, the meeting identified resources and a state-wide approach to handling the influx of school leavers in November each year.
Mr Bawden said the Mayor and CEO from Surf Coast Shire Council also attended the meeting.
"Minister Merlino has agreed to meet with us again after summer to discuss how State Government departments may be able to work closer with the affected councils," said Mr Bawden.
"During our meeting we explained our ‘Enjoy it, don’t spoil it’ campaign to the Minister. We run this as part of our Summer Safety Program to ensure school leavers have a good time and stay safe."
"The Minister was impressed with our approach.
"We believe that there needs to be a state-wide government message about school leavers staying safe and more financial resources directed to the week," said Mr Bawden.
Council received $15,000 from the State Government as part of the summer safety campaign.
"Each year, Summer Safety planning takes resources away from other Council services and programs," said Mr Bawden.
"We would like to see a more coordinated approach to Summer Safety, particularly relating to school leavers.
"We were extremely grateful to the Minister for meeting with us and look forward to meeting with him again in the New Year."
Mr Bawden and Cr Duscher also met with Deputy Commissioner, Kieran Walshe, of the Victoria Police to discuss the Summer Safety issues.
"Mr Walshe was very supportive of our program and was keen to talk more about how it could be improved," continued Mr Bawden.
"He has a real interest in taking a whole of community approach to better managing alcohol and identifying ways we can reduce alcohol abuse."
Council, local Police, the YMCA and volunteers have worked together to minimise the impact of school leavers holidaying in Bass Coast on the community.
There were over 1,100 registered school leavers in Bass Coast at the end of November.
Staff, Police and volunteers have reported that as a whole, the youths were well behaved.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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