On Wednesday, 25 August, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River invited the Margaret River Senior High School student council to review the Youth Action Plan. Shannon Walker, Community Development Trainee and former MRSHS head student, welcomed the 33 students to the AMR Council Chamber and introduced the Shire’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stephanie Addison-Brown. Stephanie told the students about her role as being responsible for the management of the Shire and the employment, supervision and direction of all Shire employees. She also talked about her journey to become CEO. The students then took on her role in a mock CEO activity and reviewed the draft Youth Action Plan. In teams, they debated the feasibility of and amendments to the plan. The suggestions were submitted and will be collated by Shannon for presentation to the Shire Council. After morning tea, the students participated in a mock council meeting being briefed on Shire initiatives from Dylan Brown, Recreation Operations Manager, and Katie Biggs, Sustainability Planning Officer. The students debated the issues of making recreational facilities more accessible and sustainability initiatives of the Shire. The Shire generously provided lunch, and the students were able to meet and interact with the Shire councillors. After lunch, the students were given a tour of the Shire facilities before attending the Shire Council meeting. Four students were given the opportunity to ask questions to the Shire Council as part of the ordinary meeting. This incursion was a highlight of the student leadership year. The students returned to the school with a new appreciation of the excellent work undertaken by the Shire. Margaret River Senior High School wishes to thank the Shire for the outstanding partnership in developing an understanding of Shire operation within our youth. Special thanks are forwarded to the Shire Council for their time and commitment to listen to the students’ suggestions and ideas, Stephanie Addison-Brown, Jason Cleary, Coordinator Community Development and Planning, Katie Taylor, Community Development Officer and Shannon Walker. What an excellent real-life learning opportunity for these student leaders!
Patrick Marzohl
Student Leadership Coordinator
Margaret River Senior High School
