A KidzFlip program for Romsey could help trigger change for the town that has faced ongoing antisocial youth behaviour.
President of the Gisborne-based group Ged McLaughlin said the program had a proven track record for assisting young people to find meaningful connections within their communities.
Mr McLaughlin raised the idea at a police-hosted community forum last month that attracted about 80 people keen to put an end to reports of vandalism and intimidation in their town.
It was identified at the meeting that the problem lay not only with local youths but others coming into the area.
“Empowering youth to succeed is the KidzFlip motto,” Mr McLaughlin said.
“It’s a proven program that we’ve been doing for years in Gisborne. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work in Romsey.”
The youth-focused program offers a range of activities including gym, karate and other projects to keep youth mentally occupied.
Another successful program in Gisborne has been street art lessons where youth get to design their own skate deck.
“We’re trying to revamp KidzFlip after COVID. It won’t be the answer to everything but it will be a great thing for the youth,” Mr McLaughlin told the Express.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council representatives said the council would work with Victoria Police to provide additional opportunities for community discussion and input and continue monitoring sites targeted.
“Council is in the process of installing more CCTV signage and investigating opportunities for additional cameras,” a spokesperson said.
“Council contractors clean and inspect facilities every morning and evening Monday to Friday, and security patrol officers visit Lions Park Reserve Romsey and Romsey Skate Park to close the toilets on Saturday and Sunday nights.”
The council plans to further engage with the young people of Romsey via an ideas workshop to hear directly from them. Input will be sought face-to-face and via social media.
Residents are reminded that reports of antisocial behaviour should directed to police, not to social media. Call 000 for police attendance or in the case of emergency, or contact the non-emergency police line on 13 14 44.
