Seventy-five students from high schools across Melbourne’s north-west attended a student leadership summit on Friday 20 February, providing an opportunity for young people in the region to develop leadership skills and create local connections.
According to Overnewton Anglican Community College, who has hosted the event for three years now, there were record numbers of attendance on the day.
The school said a highlight was the keynote address delivered by Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird.
Speaking to students about leadership in public life and community advocacy, Ms Jordan-Baird said it was important to listen to young voices.
“This is where our amazing young leaders are. Hearing from them about what matters to them is so important”, Ms Jordan-Baird said.
“These young voices are literally shaping national policy. The more young people I meet, the more I can champion their views in Parliament.”
Ms Jordan-Baird also ran a question and answer session, providing students with the opportunity to gain insight into leadership at a national level.
Throughout the day, students participated in dynamic workshops facilitated by Youth Leadership Academy Australia.
Sessions focused on self-leadership and service leadership, and communicating with teams and the community.
Students were then guided through a practical activity to identify issues within their communities and begin developing meaningful projects to address them.
College principal Emily FitzSimons said engagement throughout the day was exceptional.
“The student leadership summit provides a meaningful platform for young people to refine their skills, explore their capacity to influence positive change and recognise the responsibility that comes with leadership,” she said.
