Werribee MP John Lister has launched a petition calling on the youth minister and the Wyndham mayor to expand services and community spaces for young people in Manor Lakes.
Mr Lister said residents have regularly reached out to him about a lack of activities for children and teenagers in the suburb.
He said extending the opening hours of the Manor Lakes Library to include four hours on Sunday was one of the most frequent requests.
“As a former teacher I know library and community spaces where young people can study and hang out to keep young people engaged– they also provide an opportunity to seek out support,“ Mr Lister said.
“I’ve listened to the concerns of locals and look forward to working with the minister and mayor to get a great outcome for Manor Lakes.”
Youth minister Natalie Suleyman said she welcomed the conversation around creating more opportunities for young Victorians in places like Manor Lakes.
“Young people are at the heart of our communities, and it’s vital they have spaces where they feel supported, heard and connected,” she said.
Mayor Mia Shaw said council provides a range of services, programs and support for young people across Wyndham, including Manor Lakes.
“The Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre includes a library and a dedicated youth lounge,” Cr Shaw said.
“We provide young people with weekly after school programs, support services such as counselling, excursions, events, and free internet.”
She said council had also invested millions of dollars in a number of sports fields in Manor Lakes and surrounds.
“There are sports fields and facilities located at Howqua Way Reserve, Manor Lakes Sports Field, Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale Reserve, Haines Drive Reserve, Wyndham Vale South Reserve and our much used and loved Eagle Stadium.”
Cr Shaw also added that council would be happy to discuss with the youth minister any additional investments the state government would like to make to assist the area.
