Lilydale Community Meeting
Monday April 7 - Mt Arthur Centre

Below is a summary of the comments made from both the panel and the members of the community who
attended

Guest Panel:
Commander Scott Tilyard

  • important that we meet as a community
  • Lilydale generally seen as a safe place - people look after their neighbours
  • Sometimes there are concerns but adopting a positive
    approach is best
  • We must look for local solutions to local problems
Sally Wilson
  • concern about obvious vandalism
  • more concern about the emotional stress as a result
Sue Morris
  • children crave certainty & stability
  • do they see crime going unpunished?
  • Public often reluctant to report crime
  • Parents must take more responsibility for children's
    actions
  • 5 hour policing in Lilydale is insufficient
Kim Wilson/Marg Elphinstone
  • cost of vandalism to school is of concern
  • there is a monetary & time cost
  • the perception of the school by some people is of
    concern
  • out of school problems are not our responsibility
  • generally a small number of individuals concerned
  • anti-social behaviour reflects badly on all our children
David Weldon
  • hears comments that there's nothing we can do
  • be pro-active rather than reactive to ensure a better
    community
Maggie Peart
  • we must ask why children are vandalising things
  • Mt Arthur planning to address this issue and projects may include:
  • Parenting skills workshop
  • Communications skills workshop
  • Family Therapist
  • Mentors
  • offer activities that are meaningful to our children
Patrick Gambles
  • his role is to help schools & communities strengthen
    relationships
  • some money available to support this
Hugh Andrew
  • 26 members currently in the BMX group
  • would like to rejuvenate the track
  • community shouldn't stereotype these riders
Debbie Groves (school attendant at Perth Primary)
  • working extensively with young people
  • skatepark built - no support from local community by kids took responsibility - anti-social behaviour
    dramatically reduced
  • youth need role models in the community - punitive
    approach doesn't work
  • important that the media doesn't report the negative all the time

Constable Andrew Hanson

  • community issues now his issues
  • policing most reactive, but he needs information to do his job
  • encourages pro-active approach
  • current actions affect later life

Audience Comments/Observations:
  • positive reaction to local policing to date
  • police ½ hour away if Andrew not available - this is too long in many instances
  • hours are varied though
  • some residents feel vulnerable & are loath to
    interfere
  • commend Mt. Arthur & its management - like to see it as bigger part of the community
  • some concerns about discipline in school
  • generally well behaved at school - anti-social
    behaviour not tolerated
  • keep reminding ourselves that we have a school to be proud of
  • children are sent to school to be educated
  • most children make good decisions - a small minority don't
  • how do we engage the 2% who don't do the right thing
  • concern about the focus on young people - others are involved
  • "no-go" area in school after dark
  • should be a vital part of the community and not
    denied because of  a few - Perth experience says "no zones" don't work
  • student concern that there's nowhere for them to "hang out"
  • this has been a concern for many years & still
    nothing's happened
  • students should be the driving force behind projects
  • listen to the kids and find out what THEY want!
  • easy to complain but would people turn up for a
    meeting to plan positive initiatives?
  • Mustn't be the same few!
  • Parents should take more responsibility for children
  • Paid adult volunteers?
Suggestions:
  • community project driven by young people
  • youth consulted & youth to take control
  • committee formed at school to pursue ideas
  • some Commonwealth money may be available to
    promote youth health & wellbeing
  • get list of people who would be prepared to help (16 so far!)
  • mentoring program with businesses in the village
  • backup list for Andrew to support his dealings with adults
  • more activities for young people which may be very simple to achieve

A huge thank you to the 70 people who attended, the guest speakers, our Chair Ivan Dean and especially the students who came along!


If you'd like to be involved please let Rose Parker at the school know.
Everyone welcome!!

The Lilydale Progressive--May 2003

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