Support Our Youth
I am writing to express concern about the situation reportedly affecting our local Youth Hub, an organisation that has become a valuable and respected part of our community.
Under Michael’s leadership the Hub has built a strong reputation through dedicated programs, well educated staff and positive encouragements. Its achievements helping local young people find a place for their own age group have been widely recognised and appreciated.
It is therefore more than unsettling to hear of apparent efforts by a few (unqualified) individuals to undermine this organisation that has delivered such significant benefits. At a time when young people need support, stability and opportunity to grow up into well adjusted adults, community resources should be strengthened, not distracted by personal agendas, jealousy (yes, that as well) or unnecessary conflict.
As Rate-paying residents of this Shire we should be free to ask what role the by us elected Council is playing in ensuring that a successful and well-regarded service receives the support it deserves.
We must remember that when community organisations are weakened it is often those they serve who suffer most, in this case our local youngsters.
I encourage the Bellingen community to support the Youth Hub and its dedicated staff and volunteers so that it can continue its important work for years to come.
Brigitte Graefin von Bulow PhD, Fernmount
Response to Dawn Lewis “times have changed”
I can’t let Dawn Lewis’ letter “times have changed” go without a response.
Who exactly are these young people she talks about in such derogatory terms? As if they are selfish and act badly?
Yes times have changed but not for the better for most young people nowadays.
Many believe they will never own their own home and many carry big student debts.
When I bought my first home in the late eighties it was 3 times my gross wage. Today homes are 9 to 12 times the average wage. This is thanks to Howard era policies of negative gearing, capital gains tax and family trusts. Homes have gone up 400% but wages certainly haven’t.
People who have had the benefit of buying houses as investments pay less tax then those who are employees.
I received free tertiary education and was therefore able to get better paying jobs and therefore paid more taxes and didn’t have the burden of a loan.
I’ve worked with young people for over 40 years, have 11 grandchildren and a great grandchild and I wish for them a “fair go” which used to be the slogan for Australia. But now there is more inequality than ever. Don’t blame young people for that. Look at the policies that have been structured into our society. It’s not hard to find the facts.
Dianne Jacobus, Bellingen