The future of regional leadership was on full display this week as participants in the 2025 Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue visited Orange City Council, gaining valuable insights into civic leadership, decision-making, and local government operations.
Now in its sixth year, Ten4Ten connects ten Year 11 students from across the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne regions with ten influential community mentors, providing unique opportunities to grow their leadership skills and explore career pathways.
During the visit to Orange City Council, students met with Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, Councillor Gerald Power, and senior council staff. The session included a visit to Council chambers, a briefing on key projects, hearing about career journeys and department responsibilities and an open Q&A where students engaged in thoughtful discussions about the city of Orange.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto praised the initiative, expressing how inspiring it is to see young people engaged in our community.
“It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged in their community and eager to understand how local government works. Programs like Ten4Ten are vital for nurturing the next generation of regional leaders,” said Mayor Mileto.
The visit also highlighted the importance of regional voices in shaping the future of New South Wales. Ten4Ten participants shared their aspirations and ideas for building a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking Orange.
RDA Central West Director of Regional Development, Josh Gordon, welcomed the opportunity to visit Council again this year as a highlight of the Ten4Ten calendar of events.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Orange City Council to give our Ten4Ten participants real-world exposure to public leadership. These students are the changemakers of tomorrow, and experiences like today’s help cement their confidence and capability.”
The Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue continues through 2025, with a series of site visits, mentor engagements, and leadership development. Next up for the Ten4Ten 2025 cohort is a visit to Ramsey Health’s Dudley Private Hospital and an excursion to NSW State Parliament hosted by Member for Orange Phil Donato.
You can find out more about the Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue via the RDA Central West website: https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/ten4ten-2025/