Young leaders to the rescue

Tristan McIntosh, Paris Jarvis, Harry Bray and Nick Hay with (back) teacher Stacey Rumbold, Dale May, Suzy Darsa and Deb Marks from Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network. 162796 Picture: KATH GANNAWAY

By Kath Gannaway

BUDGETING is another strength demonstrated by Upper Yarra Secondary College students involved in the ROAR Youth Leadership Program.
The group had $1000 to design and developed a mural with a strong environmental theme under the program delivered by Yarra Ranges Council which aims to build leadership in Year 10 students.
They not only delivered a magnificent mural but came in under budget by $250 which, on Thursday 1 December, they handed over to the Upper Yarra Wildlife Rescue Network.
Wildlife rescue network spokeswoman Deb Marks said the donation would be a great help to the organisation, which received no government funding.
“This is really significant for us,” she said accepting the cheque.
“As volunteers, we rescue wildlife from Reefton through to Lilydale and have a person manning the rescue phone all the time.
“There are only six or seven of us so it’s hard going at times and we really appreciate this sort of support,” Ms Marks said.
As part of the program the group also partnered with Platypus Education Group to deliver a workshop to Year 6 students at local primary schools.
Yarra Ranges Council ROAR spokeswoman Maria McLoughlin said four schools participate in the program each year.
“The program provides opportunities for students to access personal development sessions, learn new skills, make new friends and develop a project to benefit the school or wider community,” Ms McLoughlin said.