Tallen Howson is proud to live in Cessnock – so much so, that he is preparing to represent the electorate at the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament in the July school holidays.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the 16-year-old fears Cessnock’s lack of support services available for young people – particularly regarding drug and alcohol use – could have catastrophic results.
Each youth parliamentarian is asked to write about an issue in their local community, and after talking to the Salvation Army and learning children as young as 12 were becoming addicted to drugs, Tallen was prompted to create an online petition that calls for appropriate support services and programs for young people in Cessnock.
“The closest drug and alcohol support services that are specifically for young people are in Maitland,” he said.
“The problems facing the young people in our community are right here in Cessnock, not 30 minutes’ drive away and so it only makes sense that the appropriate support services and programs are accessible right here in Cessnock as well.
“These 12-year-old kids right at the beginning of their lives need the right guidance, they need somewhere to turn to that isn't in another town.”
Ultimately, Tallen would like to see a permanent headspace facility established in Cessnock, more youth-centred programs at the Salvation Army and programs run through the PCYC.
“If the problem is here in Cessnock, the solution should be here in Cessnock,” he said.
“Young people are the future of our town and these services will ensure that the future is a bright one.
“All of these programs will ensure that the young people in Cessnock have access to the support services that they are entitled to.
“However, this cannot be achieved without the support and funding of government services.”
Tallen, who is in Year 11 at St Philip’s Christian College, is looking forward to his first experience at the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament after taking part in the junior version (for 12-to-15-year-olds) three times.
The programs provide a platform for young people to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making, with one representative from each electorate in NSW.
Each representative is invited to submit a petition, and the two petitions with the most signatures will be debated by the youth parliament.
More than 800 people signed Tallen’s petition in its first five days – reinforcing his pride in the Cessnock community.
Tallen set out with a goal to reach 1000 signatures, but he now hopes 2000 would be within reach by July 15, when the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament heads into camp.
To sign Tallen’s petition, visit change.org and search ‘Support Services for Young People in Cessnock’.
