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Latrobe City Launches Youth ProgramsLatrobe City has recently launched two programs that offer leadership opportunities for young people in the region. By Latrobe City Shire Council - 12th April 2007 - Back to News Latrobe City’s community development officer, Teresa Pugliese said that the youth leadership program started with an official launch at the Latrobe City corporate headquarters in Morwell.
"Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Tony Zimora welcomed the 18 young people who are taking on the challenges of the program this year, along with their families and school principals and teachers.
"The students also heard from Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley who talked about the importance of attitude in leaders and how this then influences the attitude of the group," Ms Pugliese explained.
"Caitlin Moore from the 2006 program also addressed the group about her experiences throughout last year’s program and encouraged this year’s group to make the most of this invaluable opportunity," Ms Pugliese added.
This year’s participants are: Lucy Morris (Traralgon College), Sam Horner (GippsTafe), Justin Crane, Taryn Bek, Tara Preston, Meagan Stewart-North, Nathan Strickland (Lowanna College), Stephanie O’Doherty, Lauren Dinsmore, Craig Johnson, Zac Brown (Kurnai College – Morwell Campus), Jarryd Sutton (Trafalgar High School), Nikki Hammett, Emma Wyhoon, Stephanie Treloar, Vanessa Holcombe, Robyn Moore (Kurnai College – Churchill Campus) and Chris Johnston (Lavalla Catholic College).
The youth council program commenced with the induction/training day held at Power Works recently and participants include a number of youth councillors who are returning from last year’s youth council program.
Latrobe City’s community development officer, Teresa Pugliese said that the year ahead would be a busy time for the youth councillors.
"There are many planned activities for the year ahead including the election of the youth mayor, deputy youth mayor and secretary; regular meetings with the Latrobe City mayor and councillors; attendance at the ‘Are We There Yet?’ national youth affairs conference; a field trip to ‘the keeping place’ and the West Sale heritage program (cultural awareness) and participating in a mentoring program," Ms Pugliese said.
This year’s program participants are: Jess Arnold (Gippsland Education Precinct), Sionainn Hayes (Kurnai College Churchill), Sam Holcombe (Gippsland Education Precinct), Nicole Krause (St Paul’s Warragul), Wendy Moyle (Lowanna College), Emily Olree (Kurnai College Morwell), Monica Roberts (Traralgon College), Candice Richardson (Lowanna College), Lenny Tonta (Lavalla College), Jess Tucker (Traralgon College) Mario Cassar (GETT Centre) and Matt Watt (Traralgon College).
Ms Pugliese explained that for the first time since the inception of the youth leadership and youth council programs, the participants in the two programs were brought together to undertake an induction and training day.
"The day commenced with activities that focused on developing a better understanding of the two programs. The participants then moved on to ‘get to know you’ type of activities which included team building and exploring the Myers Briggs personality indicator test. The MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) helps individuals to identify their strengths and unique gifts, giving an insight into how to work well within a team environment and allowing individuals to draw on their own strong points.
"The afternoon session included public speaking and tips and hints on how to think on your feet. The day was a great opportunity for the program participants to get to know each other and find out about themselves and their place within a team," Ms Pugliese explained.
Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Tony Zimora said that the young people on both programs had an exciting opportunity to develop their own personal skills which will stand them in good stead for life.
"Latrobe City is delighted to be able to offer these leadership programs to our young people. Through the course of the coming year, they will have the chance to explore their own capabilities, learn how to liaise with different people in different situations and most importantly, will build the foundations to develop strong leadership skills which they will take with them onto whatever path their future careers will take them," Cr Zimora concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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