Young people attending a showcase of youth services in Hargreaves Mall on Thursday believe Bendigonians have the wrong idea about their generation.
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Education providers, sporting clubs and social services were all represented at the Anglicare Victoria event, which organisers hoped would reveal to young people the career and social opportunities available to them.
Student Alannah Armstrong, who participated in the expo, said although there were many services to help struggling young people, she and her peers were often judged for taking advantage of those services.
Adults treated her differently when they knew she sought assistance from mental health service headspace, Ms Armstrong said.
“Sometimes it was their tone of voice and their body language,” she said.
For her, the youth expo could be as instructive to older generations as it was for her peers.
“It helps people see what young people are going through,” she said.
Sergeant Matt Hunt from Bendigo police station, who has combatted anti-social behaviour in the mall, believed a lack of self-confidence and motivation were the reasons young people were disengaged.
“They don’t feel valuable, but they’ve got worth, have got the ability to be respected members of the community, they’ve got the ability to put in,” Sergeant Hunt said.
“It just takes someone to get them onside and show them the way.”
The police officer said as soon as one young people contributed to their community, they could influence their entire friendship circle.
He encouraged young people not to fear support services.
“Interact with them, don’t get defensive,” he advised.
Tia Williams and Britney Oliver, 16 and 17, traveled from Maryborough for the expo. They said their hometown offered few opportunities for socialisation.
“There’s not really much to do, just Maccas, KFC or Subway,” Britney said.
Still, they had high hopes for their future. Britney plans on studying obstetrics or becoming a nurse in the Australian Navy.
Tia wants a sports science qualification.
They asked Bendigonians to think twice before casting judgment onto young people.
“It depends on what they’ve been around,” Britney said.
“It’s probably just a stereotype,” Tia added.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
