Noosa counsellor, author, DV survivor and trauma recovery specialist Janelle Parsons called on Noosa Council on Monday to act now to support a Youth Connect Group “for the safety and well-being of our youth“.
In a deputation to council’s general meeting, the founder of trauma recovery not-for-profit organisation Rise & Thrive Co told council how youth gather in Hastings Street on weekends and holiday, using e-scooters in assaults, intimidation and police provocation.
“They go there because they have nowhere else to go,“ she said.
“These aren’t hardened criminals.
“They are bored, disconnected and unmonitored youth looking for sense of belonging in all the wrong places.“
Ms Parsons described the situation as “a crisis of connection“, an opinion she said was shared by police, that involved kids of privilege with everything in material goods but lacking accountability and other kids who come from trauma and lack love and opportunity.
After spending months gathering first hand accounts from Sunshine Beach and Noosa District state high schools and Noosa Flexi school Ms Parsons said she found many students to be disengaged, they felt no one listened to them and schools lacked funding for mental health services.
“Schools are exhausted, families are overwhelmed, our young people they feel miserable,“ she said.
“I’m here to propose to you a youth connect group.
“A monthly forum where youth, schools, QPS and community services can come together. It’s about identifying issues early, sharing resources, solving problems together and giving youth a seat at table.
“That’s just the beginning.
“We need alcohol free events during school holidays, live music, sport and workshops held away from Hastings Street in safe accessible places like the sports ovals we have near Noosa Junction.“
Ms Parsons said it was time to “stop criticising parents and start supporting them with real tools, digital safety, trauma education and emotional regulation strategies“.
She said having created the required parent resources and trauma informed education tools through Rise & Thrive Co Ms Parsons wants council backing to adopt and distribute them via council libraries and networks and for council to invest in alcohol-free youth positive spaces and events through school holidays.
“You don’t need to create the solution, I’ve done it for you,“ she said.
“What I need from you is access, amplification and action because if you don’t intervene now, you’re going to pay for it later in violence, disconnection and worrying futures.“
