More drug education and sporting complexes among wish list for Hawkesbury's youth

Student representatives from each of our local high schools as well as Bligh Park’s Eagle Arts & Vocational College attended the Summit at Richmond High, to have their say about the issues they face living, studying, or working in the Hawkesbury. 

Richmond High School student Chevelle, 14 years old, said in her opinion, her age group needs more drug awareness talks and sporting facilities.

She also said: “I believe we need to get kids our age off technology and embrace the outdoors.”

Ezekiel, 15 years old - also from Richmond High School - said: “I reckon something that could improve our lives in the Hawkesbury could be entertainment facilities, different gyms, more movies and all that.”

Alana, 15, said: “What I believe could be improved in the Hawkesbury for us younger kids now is more ways to talk to people, to communicate with others from other countries and see their problems, compare them to ours, and have a better look at things.”

The Summit was a full-day event which included a Service Provider Expo where attendees could speak with representatives from Hawkesbury Council, Family Planning NSW, Police NSW, Wesley Mission, and Ability Options. Natasha Lay from Youth Action delivered a guest speech.

The day was facilitated by Michaela Young and Andy Skidmore from Burn Bright - a not-for-profit organisation that delivers character development and leadership programs in high schools and primary schools.

All sessions were based around encouraging youths to support each other and seek positive change within the Hawkesbury locale.

The 2017 Hawkesbury Youth Summit was a joint initiative of Council, North Richmond Community Centre and Wesley Mission.