BANDS BACKLASH

Youth speak out

Local youth musicians Rhys Ogden, Danny Buckingham, Michael Aelukia, Adam Leonard, Mitchell Mcpherson, Jack Reilly, Aaron Yates and Dane Overton were all angered by last weeks story in the Kiama Independent.

YOUNG musicians have hit back at comments made by Kiama councillor Warren Steel labelling a youth concert in Hindmarsh Park on Australia Day weekend as an absolute

disgrace.

The Kiama Independent was inundated with letters from people of all ages who attended the Rock In The Park concert, all of them critical of Cr Steels stance.

Cr Steel along with other Terralong Street business owners claimed the concert brought a bad element to town while also driving away visitors on the traditionally busy Australia Day Weekend.

Disappointed with the councillors comments, lead guitarist of punk/rock band Project 838, Adam Leonard denied claims that some of the bands were singing offensive material.

There was definitely no trouble the whole day, he said.

I was there the whole time and I didnt hear anything that would have offended anyone.

As far as the music being too loud, we adhered to the council regulations in regards to the decibel level so there was not a problem with that either.

The Kiama High School student said the comments made by local shopkeepers had both surprised and frustrated him.

I think people should learn to be more tolerant of other people, he said. This is not just a retirement community there are a lot of

people living here that want to express

themselves through music.

These events are something we really look forward to without these concerts you would probably have a lot more trouble around town, this gives people something to focus on.

You dont see the youth whinging when there is something for the older people in the park like a folk dance festival or something, we would be more likely to get out there and

give it a go.

Another performer at the concert extremely critical of the lack of support from a minority of people is Kiel Steel who thought those people doing the complaining should pull their heads in.

This is a community, it doesnt revolve around a few cafes 365 days a year.

Let the Kiama youth have one day, he said.

I do agree that maybe somewhere like the leisure centre may have been a better option but without events like this young people have nothing to do in Kiama and may turn to worse activities, music is a great outlet.

After a week of copping it from both sides Cr Steel said he could understand some people becoming frustrated with some of his comments however he stressed he is extremely supportive of youth orientated events.

Disgraceful

Im all for the youth, some of the music last weekend was even quite good especially early and later in the evening, he said.

I want the youth to be able to express themselves but the band that was playing for a couple of hours from midday was absolutely disgraceful.

My problem is whenever I take the communities complaints and act upon them I get in trouble.

Maybe it is time I do what the other councillors do and put my head in the sand and stay out of town.

Sticking by her comments in last weeks Kiama Independent, Parkview Caf? owner Lyn Wilson said she was not fussed if people took offence to her comments.

It was the customers that were complaining, not us we had no one in here, she said.

I wonder if the directors from council would like to come next time it is on and sit down in here and listen for nine hours, that might change a few minds.