PO Box 94
Derby WA 6728

Phone: (08) 9191 0999
Fax: (08) 9191 0998

sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

Council News - May 2005

WA Youth Summit

Derby District High School year eleven student and Youth Advisory Council team leader Michael Coughlan, gave up his holidays to attend the 2005 Young Leaders Eco-Health Summit that was held at the Point Walter Recreation and Conference Centre in Bicton on 13th -16th April 2005.

Community Development Officer Kaye Few said, ‘Michael has shown outstanding leadership qualities as the team leader of the Derby YAC during the past twelve months. It was not surprising when the YAC members were made aware of the Amanda Young Foundation’s annual leadership summit, that Michael registered his interest in attending.’

The 2005 youth summit was open to all year eleven students throughout WA. Michael’s application was assessed on his own merits and he was accepted along with 39 other young Western Australians to participate in the leadership training.

‘Michael was given the opportunity to participate in a very unique program to further develop his leadership skills’, Kaye said.

‘I discovered such things as what qualities make a good leader, the importance of team building, how to set clear goals in life, how to motivate myself and others, how to take charge of my life as well as many other skills to help take me wherever I want to go.’ Michael said.

‘I was introduced to new learning skills, stress and relaxation techniques, Myers- Briggs personality workshops and much more. I met some truly amazing young people whilst being given the opportunity to participate in and enjoy a wide variety of hands-on sessions that were challenging; both physically and mentally’, he said.

‘The leadership program aims to encourage an understanding and critical analysis of the importance of personal action in the global context. It also helps young people identify the skills needed to make and influence positive change’. Young people can make a difference! We have seen the impact of this recently when the Derby Youth Advisory Council won the WA Youth Awards, Citizenship (Group) category’, Kaye Few said.

‘By identifying and clarifying individual value positions, representing a view point in a variety of ways, demonstrating commitment and care for the environment, acting on alternative solutions to environment and public health issues and by developing cooperative strategies for change, change can and will happen in Derby,’ she said.

‘The program has helped me to be able to communicate more effectively, to promote independent thinking, to critically analyse information and understand the importance of personal action,’ Michael said.

Various key note speakers who were experts in their fields of leadership provided interactive workshops throughout the summit.

‘It was a great learning experience for me. I know now why we need leaders in our community and why they should be valued for the work they do as volunteers’, Michael said.

He went on to say, ‘The youth summit has helped me to build on my planning skills and goals and I am grateful for the fact that our YAC coordinator, Kaye Few alerted me to the opportunity. It was also a great comfort to me when both she and senior YAC member, Sian Edwards arrived at Point Walter in Bicton to watch the group of 40 young people perform in front of parents and friends to demonstrate the kinds of things that we had learned from participating in the summit’.

‘Having attended the youth summit, I am now more aware of the Amanda Young Foundation and what it stands for and I will promote it in Derby where I can’, he said.

The Foundation has been established to provide encouragement and incentives for the young members of our community to show caring, creativity and vision for our future. This foundation was formed in March 1998, six months after the tragic and sudden death of outstanding 18 year old student Amanda Young from meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a relatively rare but life-threatening disease which can cause death within hours if not recognized and treated properly.

An outstanding leader, she had made an outstanding contribution to the school community and her death captured the attention of people of all ages around the state and country. It also highlighted the need for greater public awareness and understanding of our individual roles in public health and in maintaining a healthy living environment.

The Foundation, a charitable organization in Amanda’s name, strives to encourage and build a consciousness and awareness in the role we as individuals need to play in public health, in our environment and in community leadership.

‘Amanda’s efforts have inspired me and I would encourage people in the Derby community to visit the web site www.amandayoungfoundation.org.au to find out more information’, Michael said.

‘I look forward to addressing Councilors and staff at the next Council meeting on Thursday 28th April 2005 at 5.30pm, Council Chambers, Coleman Centre, Loch Street, Derby. There, I hope to share both this experience and how representing the Derby YAC team at the recent WA Youth Awards made me feel proud that I live in Derby.

For more information, please contact Community Development Officer and YAC Coordinator on (08) 9191 0999 or email cdo@sdwk.wa.gov.au

WA Youth Award Finalists

Youth Minister, Mark McGowan announced the Derby Youth Advisory Council (DYAC) as this year’s winner of the WA Citizenship (Group) Award. The DYAC were among six community based youth groups who were selected as finalists under the Citizenship (Group) category  of the recent WA Youth Awards held at the Burswood Resort Ballroom on Thursday 14th April 2005.

The finalists in the Citizenship (Group) Awards were the Armadale Christian College Red Cross Cadets, the Derby Youth Advisory Council, Melville Youth Advisory Council, Gosnells Senior High School Bushranger Cadets and the Narrogin Relay for Life Committee.

‘The gala presentation evening recognized and rewarded outstanding young Western Australians for their contribution to the community and for helping to raise the profile of young people throughout the State, Kaye Few said.

‘As the Youth Advisory Council coordinator, I have been encouraged and excited by the commitment, passion and enthusiasm displayed by all the members of the DYAC group. They are an inspirational group of young people who contribute so much to our community in a range of different ways. These young people are exceptional role models not only for their peers but for all members of the Derby community’, she said.

Sian Edwards spoke on behalf of the DYAC to in excess of 350 guests, saying ‘We are proud of our small community and invite you all to come along with us on our journey into the future. We must say that the Derby Shire is DEADLY! Our special thanks go to Shire President Elsia Archer and Cr Paul White who are our greatest supporters and mentors.

Team leader, Michael Coughlan, went on to say that; ‘Kaye Few, the Community Development Officer for the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley and the Derby Youth Advisory Council coordinator has taught us all to follow our dreams, to believe in ourselves and our abilities, to succeed at what we do and in doing so, create a better future for all young people in Derby and surrounding communities.

‘This is a very powerful message and one that we will continue to promote within our community. The WA Citizenship (Youth) Award recognizes the efforts of the DYAC group who are well respected and valued volunteer members in our small community. To be up there with the very best of them at a State level was just awesome’, Michael said.

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