COUNCIL has defended its decision not to continue a youth officer role, instead accusing the state government of neglecting youth services.
In a public information session held last Thursday night to discuss the council draft budget, Mayor Les McPhee and CEO Dean Miller called on community members to lobby their local representative for more youth resources.
Mr Miller claimed the Victorian Coalition was “very loath” to fund youth programs.
He said it was concerning to see how little came from state coffers to fund youth services in a community where the incidence of youth mental health issues was significantly high.
“There is very little funding for
youth coming from the state government,” Mr Miller said.
“The state is very loath in that area.
“It’s a conversation the community needs to have with their local member. We need paid people and resources on the ground.”
The comments were made in response to backlash in the community after YMCA funding for a council youth officer position was discontinued, reducing the number of council staff dedicated to local youth programs to just one.
State Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said he was “disappointed” by Mr Miller’s comments.
“Swan Hill Council’s actually received over $300,000 from the state,” Mr Walsh said.
“I am very disappointed that the CEO has got his facts wrong around what the public is receiving.”
For the full story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (June 25).
