Good Evening Everyone,

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways on which Wyndham is being built. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. The footprints of the Kulin nation are found across the landscape of Wyndham.

I would also like to acknowledge distinguished guests.

I am delighted to be here this evening for the e-Youth Project celebration, and I congratulate all the e-Youth project participants here tonight. There were three groups of young people involved in this project; the e-Youth crew that co-designed the project, the e-Youth students that participated and completed Certificate II in Information Digital Media and Technology at Victoria University and the young people that have taken part in the community workshops and tonight we will be watching the short film they created.

The e-Youth project is a positive initiative that was developed to empower young people in Wyndham and provide an opportunity for young people to learn skills in digital media, communication, leadership. To re-engage with learning, reduce barriers to tertiary education and employment and to improve health and wellbeing and increase community participation.

Thank you to the Department of Premier and Cabinet for funding the fantastic ‘Empower’ initiative for the past three years. This project has made a real difference to our young people, their families and the community.

Working with Victoria University Polytechnic, the course was co-designed by young people – with a practical, project-based approach to learning.  It’s great so many of you have enjoyed the program and took the opportunity to learn new skills and has given you an insight into the digital world to see if you would like to pursue it further, perhaps by going onto further study, applying for jobs in this field or to start your own enterprise.

It is also great to see the leadership and collaboration that has occurred between young people and to see the connections that have been formed in the community and this has inspired other graduates to explore careers in youth work.

A big thank you to the Victoria University Polytechnic and Council’s Youth Services for making this program a reality. Your support for young people in our community makes a difference and is appreciated.

To the young people that have been a part of this project, we, the community value you, and we want you to know that you make a difference in Wyndham. Your ideas are important, and it is important for you, your families, your friends and the community that you continue your learning journey, what-ever avenue you choose. There are different ways to learn and make your way in the world.

Thank you for inviting me and I am really thrilled that so many positives have come out of this project. Well done to all of you.

On behalf of Council, best of luck in your future endeavours.