In a new initiative aimed at developing the skills of Mandurah’s potential young leaders who “fly under the radar”, the four politicians in the region have sponsored a student each to participate in an influential youth program.
Hosted by Mandurah's co-working hub Make Place, the Youth on Leadership program is focused on building the Peel community’s future leaders.
A component of the program is a camp aimed at developing resilience, citizenship, leadership and empower participants to think about how they can use their strengths to make a difference in the community.
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The five-day leadership camp is held every July for 40 students from the region.
Make Place general manager of projects Skipper van Peer said the partnership with local politicians was a great initiative and one the program would continue into the future.
“This year was special because local members of parliament came together to recognise the significance of the Youth on Leadership program,” she said.
“They each sponsored a participant to ensure that outstanding young people, no matter their financial situation, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Ms van Peer said while the program’s major sponsor Bendigo Bank made their dream possible, the sponsorship initiative opened the door to students who may not normally be picked.
Program organisers approached each school after locking in the funding, who then selected each student to attend the camp.
“We went to the schools and asked ‘who is a student who has untapped potential’,” Ms van Peer said.
Mandurah MP David Templeman sponsored Coodanup Community College student Eric Cross, Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup sponsored Halls Head College student Joseph Notley, Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams sponsored John Tonkin College student William Freeman and Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke sponsored Murray TAFE student Shauna Bicker.
Each elected representative is a board member of the school they sponsored.
John Tonkin College year 10 student William Freeman spoke highly of the opportunity.
Throughout the camp, William said he found he was “leadership orientated” and thrived off the chance to practice his public speaking.
Joseph and Eric both agreed the teamwork activities were their favourite aspect of the camp.
For more information on the camp visit www.youthonleadership.com.
