By Eleanor Wilson
Student representatives from 20 primary schools across the South-East gathered on Wednesday 1 June to gain some wisdom about leadership from Gembrook MP Brad Battin.
Akoonah Park’s function centre was the setting for a lunch of pizza, in which students heard from the State MP about how they can shape up to be the future leaders of the next generation.
“We’ve been doing the lunch for about 10 years, it started with four schools and this year we had 20 schools so it’s been pretty exciting to see it grow,” Mr Battin said.
“There were lots of lessons that they can take back with them and apply to their leadership setting but also that they can apply to their lives in general moving forward,” St Catherine’s Primary School teacher Gavin Balzary said.
Beaconhills student Larnie said she learnt that leadership is not about today, it’s about tomorrow.
“I think a good leader is where you listen and show respect to others,” she said.
Mr Battin said he undertook a leadership program of his own as an adolescent and found it to be a turning point in his life.
“I think everyone needs that little bit of guidance somewhere, but its having the courage to ask for it,” he said.
“So if I can get that out of the kids and they can focus on who they need to ask then I’m pretty happy.”
