Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) recently celebrated the second year of the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue with a breakfast and presentation at Hive Orange.
The program partnered ten Year 11 students from Orange, Molong, Canowindra, and Blayney, with ten local community leaders for a unique mentoring experience.
RDA Central West CEO, Wayne Sunderland, said despite the challenges everyone faced in 2021 due to COVID-19, the program was a great success.
“It was fantastic to get together at Hive Orange to celebrate the program and see the partnerships and friendships that have formed between the students and mentors,” said Mr Sunderland.
“Mentoring can play an important role in someone’s personal and professional journey and the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue was also a good support network for the students as they navigated new restrictions, remote learning and lockdown.”
“Although some of the activities we had planned unfortunately couldn’t go ahead due to COVID-19, the understanding, engagement and positivity demonstrated by the students was impressive.”
“The students are wonderful ambassadors of their school and community and are exemplary youth leaders. The future of the Central West is bright, and in good hands!”
This year the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue featured new and returning mentors in the program.
“Without the mentors there wouldn’t be a program and I would like to acknowledge them for their involvement and contribution,” added Mr Sunderland.
“It is wonderful to see our community leaders volunteer their time, expertise, support and advice to the next generation.”
“The Central West is home to so many wonderful people doing extraordinary things and the students have had such a unique opportunity and experience learning from our local community leaders.”
The TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue was delivered in 2021 thanks to the support of the NSW Government, Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council and Cabonne Council.
To learn more about the program, please visit the RDA Central West website at https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/ten4ten-2021/