I write this petition not just as a concerned citizen of Coolum Beach, QLD, Australia, but as a parent. My son is one of the many young people hanging around on our streets on Friday and Saturday nights that need help from an adult role model and guidance.

In recent years, the number of unsupervised youth on the streets of Coolum on weekend nights has grown, leading to a number of societal and safety concerns. According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, observing idle youth engagement can lead to an increase in crime and several mental health issues (AIHW, 2020).

Youth street workers can act as mentors, offering guidance, solutions, and support to young people who most need it. By having these professionals actively working during peak times, we can offer not just a safer community, but a better future for these youths.

We envision a Coolum community where the streets are safer, and we nurture the wellbeing of our youth. By allocating resources for on-duty street youth workers on the weekends, we invest in the health and future of our young people. And isn't that an investment worth making?

Please sign this petition to encourage local government and community services in Coolum to invest in our youth by implementing a program with on-duty street youth workers on weekends, thereby contributing to a safer, healthier community for all.