Jake Cassar - Independent

I attended school on the Peninsula and grew up surfing, playing football and camping.

It is such a beautiful place, full of good people with big hearts, but like everywhere, it has its issues.

As a local youth worker, I know too well the main issues with the youth, which include; substance abuse, violence, disengagement in positive pursuits and general disrespect.

The elderly tell me they often feel terrified when they see a group of young people coming towards them, especially at night.

Whether I am elected or not, I will push for intergovernmental funding to run large scale, ongoing, six week programs for select unemployed young people and, separate to that, a program for suitable young offenders.

The 'live on site' program could be held at the Kariong Scout Camp and focus on building discipline, leadership qualities, resilience, determination and respect.

The youth would be mentored by exceptional community members, including indigenous and non-indigenous elders, high profile sportspeople, artists, musicians, as well as historians and specialised youth workers.

The program could include a daily 'Bootcamp' style fitness regime, volunteering at Mary Macs Community Support Restaurant, bush survival and indigenous awareness workshops, creating community gardens, mental health support, hard hitting anti-crime and violence workshops, drug and alcohol counselling and Australian history workshops to be held in local retirement villages.

Making this a reality would holistically serve the best interests of the Peninsula and build a great model to be implemented nationally.

Email, 29 Aug 2013

Jake Cassar, West Gosford