By Tania Martin
A YOUTH centre on wheels is setting out to reduce anti-social behaviour across the hills.
Cardinia Shire and the State Government last Friday launched its new Mobile Youth Bus (MYBus).
The $250,000 project was made possible by contributions from local and state governments and from community groups.
Central Ward councillor Brett Owen and Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor officially launched the bus to hills youths last week.
Cr Owen said the bus was a great asset for the region’s young people.
“We have more than 15,000 young people living in the shire,” he said.
“This is going to be great for our young people, especially those who reside in our rural townships … the council’s youth team will use it to get out and about to interact with these young people.”
Emerald College principal Wayne Burgess said the bus would go a long way towards solving problems with anti-social behaviour in the community.
But he said the best part about the initiative was that young people would not have to travel to access the service.
“It comes to them, it’s not dependent on them being able to get there,” Mr Burgess said.
“It will give young people a positive outlet.” Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said the bus would run from Tuesday to Friday, delivering personal development programs in the mornings, lunch-time recreational programs and after-school activities.
“Activities will include jewellery making, card games, crafts, sporting and ball games, music and cooking,” she said.
“The bus has a fantastic range of fun resources young people can use,” Cr Owen said.
There is also a stack of information brochures containing advice for young people and promotional material on what services, events and programs are available for young people in the shire.
“Cardinia Shire Council’s new Mobile Youth Bus is an example of our commitment to improving services for young people in the Shire,” Cr Owen said.
“I encourage our young people to make MYBus their bus.”
