Lighthouse Christian School, Keysborough, year 11 student leaders Monica Cartes, Shaddy Landers and Zoe Matthews, with teacher Emanuele Cicchiello, following the leadership forum at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong last week.By Shaun Inguanzo
A PUSH is underway to form a special council allowing young people to make decisions on youth-related issues.
Student leaders from a variety of Greater Dandenong secondary schools attended the Drum Theatre last Thursday to hear leadership-themed speeches by marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse, and Lyndhurst MP and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Tim Holding.
It was followed by a performance from comedian Penny Tangy, who performed her Melbourne International Comedy Festival routine ‘Kathy Smith goes to Maths Camp’.
The day, organised by Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown, gathered great feedback from students.
Cr Brown said a suggestion later came from guest speakers to start a youth council that would tackle issues facing young people in Greater Dandenong.
To be overseen by the City of Greater Dandenong, the youth council would meet ideally once every three months to allow students to fulfil study commitments, he said.
“I think it’s an excellent idea, some of the adults including other councillors who were present thought (the forum) could well represent the start of a youth council in Greater Dandenong.
“Obviously they (the students) would need to be involved in decision making for Greater Dandenong.
“A great difficulty we always face with structures such as that is the participants lose interest because they feel all they ever do is sit around and talk, but don’t do something.”
Lighthouse Christian School Keysborough year 11 student Zoe Matthews said the speeches allowed her to gain an insight into good leadership values.
“When you have a goal, keep at it and don’t let others destroy it,” Zoe said.
“And when you lead others you have to set a good example.”
A report on the mayoral event recommending a youth council will come before councillors in May.
