By Danielle Kutchel
Narre Warren resident Kasuni Mendis is passionate about giving back to her community – so when the opportunity arose to take part in the City of Casey’s Community Leadership Program, she leapt at the chance.
She was keen to get involved to help enhance her leadership skills and continue to make a contribution to the community.
The Community Leadership Program (CLP) is an annual program that provides free training for new, emerging and existing community leaders in Casey who want to build their leadership skills and learn about community engagement and local government.
It aims to support Casey residents aged 18 and over who have a desire to make a difference and engage in community life a and commenced this year.
The CLP is not the only way that Ms Mendis contributes to Casey; she’s also the secretary of the Casey Multi-Faith Network, a L2P mentor and a member of the Inclusive Communities and Environment and Sustainability Community Reference Groups for the council.
So far, she said the CLP had “involved a lot of learning” about the council’s role as well as leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills.
She believes it will prove valuable in developing new community-minded leaders for Casey, as well as giving the next generation of community organisations an understanding of the council and what it does.
Ms Mendis said she loves Casey and its “unique and diverse” residents.
“Despite our differences, we are able to work together to solve our problems,” she said of her community, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic had shown how adaptive Casey’s residents are and how much they are able to help each other in times of need.
“I wish our community continues to be one of harmony and understanding and that all our residents are represented, heard and respected,” she said.
“It is my hope to continue to be involved in the Casey community to ensure this happens through the contributions I make.”
