Inspiring Young Local Leaders
Regional Development Australia Central West hosted a networking evening for their official launch of the inaugural TEN4TEN program at Kate Jones @ 119 last week.
The TEN4TEN program is a unique opportunity for local youth leaders to come together with ten community leaders for a conversation and mentoring opportunity.
Almost 40 applications were submitted from Year 11 students from across Orange, Blayney and Cabonne. RDA Central West CEO, Sam Harma said it wasn’t easy to choose ten students from the large amount of quality applications that were received.
“It was wonderful to read so many impressive applications, but it certainly made selecting only ten students quite a difficult task,” said Mr Harma.
“The successful applicants demonstrated a strong sense of community and willingness to give back, but they were also eager to learn from our mentors and how they can become future leaders.”
The Hon. Fiona Nash, Strategic Adviser at Charles Sturt University was the special guest for the evening, Fiona spent twelve years in the Australian Parliament as a Senator for NSW and also held ministerial positions including Rural Health, and in Cabinet the positions of Regional Development, Regional Communications and Local Government and Territories.
As Ms Nash addressed the room she welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the launch of the TEN4TEN program.
“This is a fantastic initiative by RDA Central West and opens up a unique dialogue between some great local leaders and the next generation of leaders.
“Mentors can make a big impact on a young person’s life, especially Year 11 students who are in their final years of school and considering what their next step might be after graduation. I think this is an extremely valuable program that has the potential to be rolled out across more regional communities and I look forward to seeing it grow.”
Over the course of the program students will have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by ten community leaders including Pip Brett from Jumbled, Philip Dodds CEO of Phocas and Kate Lorimer-Ward, Deputy Director General at Department of Primary Industries.
Students will also take part in visits to both the Federal and State Houses of Parliament and will have the chance to attend a Business Leaders Breakfast hosted by RDA Central West.
Congratulations to our future leaders!
Visit the RDA Central West website to find out more about the TEN4TEN program at https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/ten4ten/
The ten Year 11 students who participated were
Bridget May, James Sheahan Catholic High School
Claire Wright, Canowindra High School
Ethan Mackay, James Sheahan Catholic High School
Joe Spencer, Molong Central School
Blair Bella, Canobolas Rural Technology High School
Jess Mosely, Kinross Wolaroi School
Mackenzie Jones, Kinross Wolaroi School
Savannah Dening, James Sheahan Catholic High School
Isaiah King, Canobolas Rural Technology High School
Abigail Thew, Orange High School