One of the most satisfying SWMACC projects over the years has been the continued success of the Emerging Pacific Youth Leadership Program. It was created to empower and educate aspiring young leaders through a program balancing cultural awareness with real-world learning: collaborative forums, workshops, training and speaking engagements.
Selwyn gets down to business
Before joining the program, Selwyn Lloyd wore hi-vis and worked as a labourer. These days he is employed by the Department of Education as a support worker, has been a White Ribbon Day ambassador, and founded the #FistsDown social media campaign, which encourages young people to make better decisions and put a stop to organised fights.
Rebecca finds her voice
Being shy is not an obvious quality for a leader, but it has not stopped Rebecca. The naturally gifted athlete, who comes from an Aboriginal and Samoan background, credits the program with the confidence to perform the national anthem, in English and in her Aboriginal language, for the state premier. She has since received numerous awards and scholarships.
