The 2012 New and Emerging Communities Youth Leadership Program kicked off recently with support from the Western Bulldogs, Hobsons Bay City Council, Victoria Police and New Hope Foundation.
The program endeavours to engage with newly arrived migrant and refugee communities in the West of Melbourne, to develop their confidence and leadership skills, help them form friendships and encourage them to become more involved in their local community.
It is the fourth year that the Western Bulldogs’ community team, SpiritWest Services, have been involved in the program which will run through until the end of July - teaching participants new life skills and educating them on the services available to them in the West.
The introductory camp, held at YMCA Lady Northcote Recreational Camp in Rowsley, is an integral part of the program with the participants coming together through leadership training, high challenge and team building activities.
This year’s 23 participants have come from a diverse range of countries including Burma, Ethiopia, Vietnam, South Sudan, Tibet, Iraq, China, Somalia and Sri Lanka.
Among the group are young people who have experienced challenging journeys to Australia including time spent in refugee camps and transition countries.
Despite the cultural and language differences the young people were able to find common bonds and supported each other throughout the various activities including archery, raft building, canoeing, orienteering and the challenging giant swing.
The camp built many positive friendships between the young people, leaders and agencies as we all shared and learnt about each other’s cultures throughout the four days.
The group will now participate in five workshops over the coming months including a Hobsons Bay Sports Tour, Police Academy visit, City Experience, Airey’s Inlet Day Trip and a visit to a Western Bulldogs match - with the AFL visit requested by the participants themselves.
The Hobsons Bay New and Emerging Communities Youth Leadership Program is funded by Hobsons Bay City Council while the Western Bulldogs’ involvement is made possible through its Settlement Grants Program funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
