The Tipping Point is an upcoming community event organised by Shepparton’s Mark Mills and Tammy and Ladell Sanders, which will be held at Victoria Park Lake later this month.
“This event is not about revenge, nor is it about focusing on one incident,” they said.
“It is about bringing our community together to call for meaningful change.”
They want to raise awareness of the laws, policies and systems they say many believe are failing to adequately protect victims, support communities and hold serious youth offenders accountable.
“It is about the future of our community and the safety of our children,” they said.
“Enough is enough, it’s time for change.”
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe raised issues last week in parliament, concerning recent acts of youth violence.
Ms O’Keeffe said recent violent incidents, which involved a number of local school students, had left victims traumatised, families distressed and members of the community deeply concerned about the safety of children.
“These recent incidents are currently under police investigation, and they are distressful and hard to comprehend,” she said.
“My thoughts are with those who have been affected, and no child or family should have to be dealing with this.
“Our whole community are shocked and disgusted.”
She said everyone had a right to feel safe at school, on the streets and going about their daily lives.
“The community expects strong action to support victims, and that offenders are held accountable and to ensure appropriate intervention occurs before young people become involved in more serious offending,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe urged local police, schools, youth services and the community to work together to help curb the antisocial behaviour.
“When young people find themselves heading down the wrong path, we need strong intervention, meaningful support and clear accountability to help turn their lives around before more harm is done,” she said.
“The rise in youth crime and violence has increased, but what is alarming is the young age of many of these offenders.”
Ms O’Keeffe criticised the current Victorian Government’s “weakened bail laws” and suggested a different approach.
“By investing in programs such as Restart and Youthstart, these programs will deliver a genuine pathway out of crime while making sure the community is protected, as well as giving young people a new start away from toxic environments and towards education, jobs and community,” the Nationals MP said.
Organisers of The Tipping Point event invite the community to gather at noon on Sunday, June 21, at Victoria Park Lake, Wyndham St, Shepparton.
Exact details will be finalised closer to the event, but it will include guest speakers and possibly a walk around the lake if the crowd’s capacity allows for it.
