The South Eastern Youth Association (SEYA) was launched in Casey last Thursday with SEYA convenor Matthew Landolfo and Victorian Minister for Youth Affairs Jacinta Allan discussing local youth issues.By Rebecca Fraser
YOUNG people in Casey have a new voice following the official launch of the South Eastern Youth Association (SEYA) last Thursday.
The group was launched during a forum with Victorian Minister for Youth Affairs Jacinta Allan in Endeavour Hills.
SEYA convenor Matthew Landolfo said the group aimed to contribute to public debate and discuss the issues affecting Casey’s youth.
“There have been some similar groups to SEYA run in the past, and without one it seems there is a definite lack of youthful voice in terms of community discussion.
“It’s just a great opportunity for young people to meet other active young people, and at the same time, gain some of the leadership skills and experiences that come from being involved in local politics and representing your school, peers, and community,” he said.
Mr Landolfo said SEYA had already met on a number of occasions to discuss a range of issues affecting young people in Casey.
He said that SEYA’s push for a NightRider bus route to service Casey had received great coverage in the local press catching the interest of a number of councillors, and was the key issue they discussed with Ms Allan.
“The NightRider bus service operates all night on weekends to deliver commuters from the city to various suburban destinations.
“There is currently a NightRider service that terminates in Dandenong and I don’t see why there would be a problem in extending that route to cover Endeavour Hills, Hallam, Fountain Gate, and Berwick,” Mr Landolfo said.
Members of SEYA also discussed public transport concerns, the problems facing young drivers and the success of the FreeZa program that runs underage events for Casey’s youth.
Ms Allan also talked to the group about leadership and the importance of young people’s engagement with their community before inviting the group to discuss any other issues of concern.
