Year nine St Columba’s student Katie Webb has an impressive record of volunteer work and a keen interest in doing more, so the decision to become involved in the Western Bulldogs affiliated Whitten Project was obvious.
“It seemed good to get involved with a new project that was starting up in the community, and something that would develop my skills and [let me] meet new people who shared the same passions,” Katie said.
In the months since Katie joined The Whitten Project’s inaugural group, she has been given many more chances to express her will to help others.
Working with the RAD School Holiday Program facilitated by the Western Bulldogs SpiritWest Services - a program that seeks to raise funds and awareness to address global refugee needs - was one such opportunity for Katie.
“The RAD program which I got involved with was about helping out with some refugee children and helping them play sport,” she said.
“I’ve also done things like volunteering for the poor [and] helping out with charity - they’ve given us heaps of opportunities.”
Katie’s other highlights included hearing the stories of past Geelong premiership captain Tom Harley and netball star Bianca Chatfield.
“Bianca… talked about personal branding and how you and other people will see you,” she said.
“It was interesting to know that you need to take action about what you get involved in, what you do.”
She has also greatly appreciated the friendships she has made through The Whitten Project.
“I got to meet a heap of people who were really interested in different things. It was good to get to know the different perspectives they had on leadership and we all learned things off each other,” she said.
The young leader was identified as a potential participant in the Project by a teacher, who advocated her involvement.
“I’m a house representative at my school... one of the people others can go to for help,” she said.
“I think through getting to know me, she thought that I’d be a good nominee for the program.”
While unsure of the path she is likely to follow after finishing school, Katie has been given some ideas on further volunteering opportunities after engaging with participants from other Moonee Valley council programs.
“It was good to know there are different programs, once the Whitten Project’s done [that] we can [be] involved with if we want to continue looking at what we’ve been doing,” Katie said.
With opportunities aplenty for young leaders to volunteer for local sporting clubs, the Whitten Project seeks to promote sport and community clubs for all.
