Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

SHARKIE () (): Back on 9 June, together with Dan Cregan—the member for Kavel and Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly—I held Cooking Cabinet with young people in my community. We made Mexican and, importantly, we talked about what issues affect them and what they want from us as their members of parliament. They told us they want a youth hub. The only thing in the Mount Barker region for young people that doesn't cost any money is hanging out in the shopping centre—and that's been a real challenge for them—and going to the skate park. It's pretty cold in Mount Barker for most of the year, and not all kids skate. We need to make this happen. It was also raised at the state government's Youth Cabinet, with Premier Peter Malinauskas in attendance. We heard from passionate young people, aspiring leaders in our community, and they want a dedicated youth space.

I want to let the young people in my community know that, since that call, Dan Cregan and I have arranged a meeting with the Mount Barker mayor, David Leach. We're going to come together. I'd also like to include the Adelaide Hills mayor because I think this is going to need both councils working together with state and federal representatives. I can't see why we can't make this happen for our young people. Our young people deserve a safe space for them to learn in, to enjoy and to share with each other.