The team of youngsters from Wauchope, west of Port Macquarie, is campaigning to better equip their neighbourhood.

Generation Y Wauchope, formed seven months ago, wants more youth facilities in the township.

And they want to smash stereotypes.

The young men and women – aged from 10 to their mid-30s – also want to secure more activities for young people.

They have had meetings, distributed two petitions, researched grant opportunities, attended a state government forum and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council workshop, and received letters of support from politicians and non-profit sporting organisation Skate Australia.

Chris Van de linde, 15, and 14-year-old James Kirkland are among the group’s founding members.

They want a new skate park close to town.

James dreams of becoming a professional skateboarder and devotes time on weekends and after school to honing the craft.

A new skate park would be a drawcard for Wauchope youths, they say, and get kids off the street.

“If you want something, you have to go for it,” Chris said.

And that is just what Generation Y Wauchope is doing.

Chris said the group also hoped to change people’s attitudes and give teenagers somewhere safe and central to gather.

Josh Crow, 25, said the concept was based on facilities for the whole family, so everyone was occupied, whether it be skating or having a barbecue.

“All the kids here have so much potential but this place [skate park] is falling apart,” he said.

For example, Josh said James could “go all the way” if he had the right equipment.

The skate park, near the railway line at Wauchope, was built in 1997.

The council’s blueprint for Wauchope’s development during the next 10 to 15 years includes a new skate park and a greater focus on Bain Park for families.

Competitive BMX rider Crystal Shepherd, 20, also supports a modern skate park to give young people a chance to learn new skills with better ramps.

Generation Y Wauchope also is striving to get a Police & Community Youth Club and youth workers in the town.

Other ideas include a youth festival to showcase young people’s talents, such as art and music.

Generation Y Wauchope is in the process of becoming an incorporated body.

Those interested in becoming a member should attend a meeting at a date to be set in the next fortnight at Wauchope Youth Centre.

The group thanked Michelle Willingham, Wauchope Gold Print, Toyworld Wauchope, Hilberts Hardware, Sandra Bush and Liam Bulley for their support.