Spotlight on young leaders

PARTICIPANTS of the Shire of Yarra Ranges 2008 Young Leaders Program will host an exciting Youth Forum on Wednesday 9 April as part of the shire’s National Youth Week celebrations.
The forum will feature guest speaker Tom O’Connor, who was 2007 Young Victorian of the Year and is director of the Oaktree Foundation, an Australian-based youth-run international aid and development organisation.
Yarra Ranges councillor Monika Keane said Mr O’Connor would provide inspiration to those attending the forum, speaking about his involvement in the Make Poverty History campaign and giving insight into how young people could make an impact on the world.
“The Youth Forum will be a wonderful evening where young people will be inspired and motivated by a fantastic role model such as Tom O’Connor while also being entertained by some amazing talent,” Cr Keane said.
“The Anti-Racism Action Band will be another highlight, providing high energy performances including beat boxing, rapping and hip-hop.”
Cr Keane said that a range of local young people will also demonstrate their talents, including Eastern Battle of the Bands winners Pat and Brendan and the shire’s 2008 Young Citizen of the Year Sam Ryan.
“The shire’s new youth trainee Andrew Scarborough and Yarra Ranges 2006 Young Citizen of the Year Jessie Alley will share the spotlight as MCs for the night,” Cr Keane said.
Cr Keane said the Youth Forum was open to all young people, families and community members.
“The night will be a wonderful opportunity for people to celebrate and support our young leaders, and there are some great prizes to be won, including an ipod,” Cr Keane said.
The Youth Forum will be held at Swinburne’s Lilydale campus, Melba Avenue, on Wednesday 9 April from 7pm to 8.30pm.
RSVP to Youth Services on 9294 6716 or visit www.yrys.com.