Youth support vital as 'delinquency' fears mount in Nelson Bay

Both Nelson Bay Police and Port Stephens Council have been made aware of the issues facing the minors, mostly aged between 10 and 16 in groups of up to 15, roaming the streets and congregating in Apex Park.

One Nelson Bay resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, said that he had contacted local authorities on a number of occasions to report damage to glass fittings, power points, toilets and use of foul language.

"It has been going on for some months now and it is becoming more disturbing. Most of the damage to buildings is minor but the toilet block at the visitor centre has been closed for well over a week after it was trashed and last Friday night kids were throwing watermelons off the overpass," the resident said.

"The businesses are too scared to say or report anything for fear of getting a brick through their shop window."

Inspector Dan Skelly, from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, told the Examiner that police were aware that groups of youths were congregating in Apex Park, and at times causing trouble by using profane language and verbally abusing some community members.

"Police are aware of malicious damage that has been caused in the park and surrounding area and have been following a number of leads," Insp Skelly said.

"Police are also aware that some homeless people do sleep in the park, but not children."

He said that the Nelson Bay PCYC ran youth programs that could assist troubled youth in the area.

Port Stephens Council's development service manager Steven Peart said they were aware of a number of incidents of damage and vandalism in Apex Park.

He said that the council had been working with Port Stephens police to address the issues.

"The public toilets in Apex Park are closed due to vandalism and council is working on repairing the damage. The council has an active Youth Advisory and Action Panel with collaboration with students from Tomaree High, Irrawang and Hunter River."

He said that key actions from the Port Stephens Youth Strategy implemented to date included the inclusion of The Community Hub within the newly constructed Tomaree Sports Complex and the 2021 Pizza for the Planet event where youth showcased environmental workshops and presentations.

Mr Peart said that following on from the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the council would be working more with young people.

"The 'youth' age is between 12-25 years, however, for younger people the council supports regular events at local skate parks such as Snak'N'Rap, a family friendly youth initiative that combines music, art , food, fun, community and conversation to engage young people and connect them with the wider community," he said.

"Live At The Alley was delayed due to COVID and was redesigned as an online live streamed event. It was managed by young people showcasing young talent in Port Stephens

"Other successful initiatives through the project included Connected Youth Spaces, which focused on an advocacy program to influence the development and inclusion of a community space, while the new community hub will be utilised by a variety of community groups and the Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre able to utilise the space for youth workshops and programs."

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