mmg.com.au

A Shepparton teen is calling for more underage concerts and festivals, as well as better utilisation of local facilities to combat youth boredom.

Shepparton High School student Makayla Hutchinson, 17, said some youth events centred on rock and alternative music, which did not interest all teens.

She said there was particularly a lack of events exclusively for older teens.

‘‘A lot of kids go to the skate park and start trouble because they’re sick of doing the same thing,’’ Makayla said.

‘‘They may rebel because they’re bored.’’

Makayla said festivals such as alcohol-free and drug-free event Goodlife were impressive.

The event was held earlier this year in Melbourne and attracted thousands of young people.

It was billed as ‘‘Australia’s leading under-18 event’’.

She said an event such as this in the Goulburn Valley could give teenagers a safer alternative to parties that involve alcohol.

‘‘Kids just want to have fun,’’ she said.

‘‘There doesn’t need to be alcohol.

‘‘(An event) would bring kids from other towns into Shepparton and also promote the town’s image.

‘‘A bus service could be provided to get the teens from the festival home.’’

Shepparton does have the space and the facilities to host a large event, Makayla said.

‘‘An entry fee could be charged to raise money to hold the event,’’ she said.

‘‘Teens won’t mind paying a donation.

‘‘The event would give them something to do for the weekend.’’

Makayla is also calling for better advertising of youth events.

‘‘We don’t hear about them,’’ she said.

She suggested Facebook groups, radio coverage, posters, newsletters and blogs as a way to get the word across.

The News contacted youth organisation Word and Mouth yesterday, but representatives did not return calls.