Ten community champions have been announced as the mentors for Regional Development Australia Central West’s inaugural TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue.
The leaders come from a range of backgrounds, industries and sectors. Mentors will take on the role to guide ten selected students from Year 11 across Orange, Blayney and Cabonne.
RDA Central West CEO, Sam Harma said the mentors will offer participating students’ advice, support and expertise in their field.
“We are excited to announce the wonderful local mentors that have signed on for our first ever TEN4TEN program,” said Mr. Harma.
“Students have the opportunity to learn from and connect with our community leaders through this unique mentorship experience while also getting a direct insight into what career opportunities are available right here in the Central West.”
The mentors for the 2020 TEN4TEN program are:
· Christine Weston, Chair of RDA Central West;
· Cr Reg Kidd, Mayor of Orange City Council;
· Phil Donato MP, State Member for Orange;
· Andrew Gee MP, Federal Member for Calare and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education;
· Gabriel Franklyn, Mining Engineer at Cadia Valley Operations;
· Kate Lorimer-Ward, Deputy Director General at Department of Primary Industries;
· Julia Andrews, Director of External Engagement at Charles Sturt University Bathurst and Orange Campuses;
· Phil Dodds, CEO of Phocas;
· Genya Miller, Brand and Marketing Manager at MSM Milling; and
· Pip Brett, Owner of Jumbled and Iglou (The Sonic).
Mr. Harma also explained that there is great value in the program for senior students as they navigate their final two years at high school and consider what opportunities lie ahead after graduation.
“This is an important chapter for Year 11 students and TEN4TEN offers another source of guidance and a new perspective on what careers they could pursue here in the region,” added Mr. Harma.
“Our mentors have so much knowledge to give and life experience to share but they also come from different sectors in the community which provides even greater variety and value.
“From local government and politics, marketing, software development to running a business – there is a lot to learn and a lot to take away from TEN4TEN and we are thankful to our mentors for committing to program as it lifts off for the first time.
“Our hope is that TEN4TEN expands throughout the Central West year after year, nurturing more students and attracting more community leaders to come on board as mentors.”
Students are reminded that applications close Friday, 19 June 2020 and can be submitted online via the RDA Central West website at https://rdacentralwest.org.au/
TEN4TEN will feature a meet and greet event, followed by a dinner, and students will also be invited to a Business Leaders Breakfast hosted by RDA Central West. Students will also visit Australian Parliament House in Canberra and Parliament of NSW in Sydney where they will be hosted by the local members.
To apply, students are asked to outline why they believe they should be selected to take part in the program in 100 words or less. For more information email RDA Central West at grants@rdacentralwest.org.au.