Leaders of the Future (12 October 2019)

The Coffs Harbour area is so lucky to have such amazing young people.

I recently met Ella Burgun who is the recipient of the 2019 John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award. This award is presented to NSW senior High School students who have been nominated by their respective School Principals. Students are nominated for their exemplary service to their communities, whether it’s for local, national, or even international work.

The Award is conducted annually by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association, with 25 NSW students selected. Ella was invited to Government House in Sydney and was presented with her award by the Governor of NSW herself.

But that’s not all! She also received the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards which recognise the outstanding leadership qualities of school students throughout Australia. The awards recognise and celebrate students who demonstrate outstanding qualities in areas such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, reliability, service to school and our community.

I just wanted to share my admiration for Ella. What amazing achievements.

And I also got to meet some other similarly mature and caring young people at Headspace Day this week who also made a big impression on me.

Knowing that we have young people like these growing up here makes me really optimistic for our future.

West Coffs District Park

Have you had a look at the brand new West Coffs District Park? What a fantastic new community space.

I’d like to thank the local working group participants from Naranga Primary School and Orara High School students for their involvement in the planning and design of this project and the Access Committee and Early Connections staff. I’d also like to give another thank you to the local dog trainers and other dog lovers – and their pets – for the help in designing the new dog-only spaces!

Local contractor Burnett Civil carried out the works, with local suppliers and sub-contractors also involved in the construction. Funding for the park came from $1m in developer contributions from the recent subdivisions in the West Coffs area and a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ programme.

It’s another great example of what we can achieve by working together.