AS a 24-year-old who has grown up in the Highlands I can honestly say this region is definitely not the entertainment capital of the world - especially for young people.
We have a wonderful cinema and a lifetime supply of coffee shops but sadly the fun pretty much stops there.
Friday after school we’d all catch the bus into town to hang out. But with nowhere to go you end up walking the street and unfortunately even the most angelic students wandering in a group tend to distress the passing old people.
School, sport and part time jobs tend to keep you busy but there’s still plenty of hours in the day to spend time with friends.
Which is why I think the proposed Southern Highlands Youth Hub is a fantastic idea.
A space where youth can hang out without upsetting others, a space where the many talented musicians and artists in the area can really express themselves - why didn’t we get this sooner?
And the proposed ten-pin bowling centre in Mittagong will no doubt be a very welcome addition too.
In her address to State Parliament this week, MP Pru Goward championed the idea of the youth hub suggesting if young people had something to do perhaps they would stop resorting to delinquent behaviour to pass the time.
It’s not that simple, unfortunately, which Ms Goward rightly acknowledged. You can provide every activity and service under the sun but it’s still up to young people to turn up and give them a go.
And just for the record.
Yes, Ms Goward, Sunset Point Drive has some serious problems but there are ghetto areas in every town, not just Mittagong.