GRIFFITH YOUTH SPEAK OUT

Zappacosta meets with team to
discuss issues of concern

What Speak Out wants:

• A weekly half price night at the Griffith Aquatic Leisure Centre
• Shading and maintenance issues addressed at the skate park
• To help address the problem of youth obesity they want regular sports activities held at the Westend Stadium with an emphasis on fun and participation, not competition
• Affordable variety nights to be held at the Griffith Regional Theatre for young people who don't otherwise have a suitable venue to showcase their talents

GRIFFITH youth have spoken out and now it's up to the city's adults to listen.

That is, according to the 20 members of the Speak Out team who presented ideas to improve youth facilities to mayor Dino Zappacosta and assistant general manager Andrew Crakanthorp on Monday night.

The team, whose ages range from 13 to 21, was formed six weeks ago when they discovered council were keen to create community groups to address problems within Griffith following the death of Rankins Springs teen Andrew Farrugia.

Four main ideas were suggested: a half price night at the pool, shading and maintenance at the skate park, fun sports days at Westend Stadium and variety nights.

Griffith Suicide Awareness president Val Rowe was instrumental in establishing the team. She said she was pleased the youth involved had provided council with simple yet effective solutions.

"I think Dino and Andrew were shocked at just how well these young people presented their ideas," she said. "They were extremely responsive. There has been a lot of discussion about what we can do but I think going back to basics with these youth has been important. These were all the ideas of our youth, now it's up to adults to maked it happen."

Mayor Dino Zappacosta admitted he was surprised by the simple ideas they were seeking. "They were wonderful; this energetic group of young people really don't want anything too unrealistic," he said. "I was just so impressed with their attitude, all they really want is to move on. They told me they are not interested in yeterday but what's going to happen tomorrow. I hope to have a report back to them in April."

Griffith Chamber of Commerce president Craig Tilston acted as an advisor for the group. He said Griffith should be proud of the team. They had survey sheets filled out and lots of discussion and research before they presented their ideas," he said. "Now it's a matter of fingers crossed, hopefully they will come back with some positives for the sake of our youth."

Story by: Tanya Pattison, The Area News, March 23 2007.