Organised by the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, the forum attracted students from Frankston High School, Flinders Christian College, Balcombe Grammar School, Mount Eliza Secondary College, Woodleigh School, Mornington Secondary College and Peninsula Grammar. They were split across five workshops to address key issues affecting our young people, including cost of living, housing affordability, domestic violence, climate change, and youth political engagement.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford a house because I want to be a teacher,” said Woodleigh’s Tobi Chivers. Her concern sparked lively discussion, with peers pointing to cost of living as a root cause of many social challenges. Frankston High’s Blake Ryan suggested that subsidised registration and public transport for students could help ease the burden.
On housing, Peninsula Grammar’s Lucy Sheppard questioned the abundance of underused large homes and empty Airbnbs, calling for a shift in the community’s idea of status and success. Students discussed the appeal of shared urban-style living if paired with vibrant communal spaces.
The workshops also delved into respectful relationships and the importance of education around gender-based violence before students leave school. “I feel boys today have an opportunity to teach their sons differently,” said Ethan Barker, of Mornington Secondary.
Political apathy was also discussed. “There’s too much negativity in the media around politics,” said Peninsula Grammar’s Finn Clarke. “We need to hear more about the positive side of it.”
Wrapping up the day, the students reflected on recent wins for low-cost housing and domestic violence support on the Peninsula.
The forum was held at South East Water in Frankston and opened by CFMP CEO Josh Sinclair, who said: “It’s all about your voice and the powerful impact you can have on the community.”
Also present were Frankston City councillor Emily Green, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Max Patton, Dunkley federal Labor MP Jodie Belyea, Hastings state Labor MP Paul Mercurio, and Frankston state Labor MP Paul Edbrooke, who said: “I’ve spent the last four days in parliament – and the most interesting day this week has been today.”
