The Whitten Project Class of 2013 were welcomed back to Victoria University Whitten Oval on Thursday 19 June 2014 to share their experiences, insights and learnings with the current crop of young leaders.

The event took place in a panel style discussion that also included 2013 Hobsons Bay Youth Citizen of the Year recipient and current Victorian Youth Premier Oussama Abou-Zeid.

2013 Whiten Project alumni Sara McInnes, Jack Bartkowicz and Elana Szabo were selected to be involved in the session after continuing their efforts in the community after graduation.

The four proven young leaders provided insights the participants could easily relate to and challenged them to step outside of their comfort zones, voice their thoughts and opinions.

The graduate class also encouraged the group to build their social and professional networks in an effort to become effective leaders and positive contributors in their respective communities.

“Make the most of every opportunity, be prepared to take a risk, speak up and think outside the square,” Melton City Council Young Leader Sara McInnes said.

The Whitten Project would like to acknowledge Sara, Jack, Elana and Oussama for their support and strongly encourage past Whitten Project Young Leaders to reconnect with the Project.

The Whitten Project continues on Monday 30 June 2014 when the young leaders will assist with the delivery of the Bulldogs “Dahlhaus Clubhouse Clinic” - a school holiday football clinic with over 500 of the Club’s junior members.