Published on Monday, 25 November 2024 at 4:05:11 PM
Every year, our up and coming Leaders from schools across the region gather at the Shire Council Chambers for team building and leadership exercises, to learn about local government and hear from our Council leaders - Council and the Shire were thrilled to host this gathering once again this year.
In the team building activity students cooperated to create something new from discarded items – what would be considered waste. Interestingly, all five teams separately created something to wear from the waste, presenting their functional items with explanations of what each component was for, to applause and laughter.
Students heard from Shire President Ron Chambers about community leadership and the importance of making decisions for the benefit of all, regardless of personal preferences. Ron also talked about influence – if you feel strongly about wanting to make changes, then learning and understanding the processes on the road to change is the trick. Councillor Leonie de Haas spoke about her primary and high school years in Esperance, what community means to her and why she nominated for council.
As with previous years, an abridged version of a Council Meeting was then held, with children assigned to every role – Councillors, Shire directors, community members and even journalists! As part of this Special Council Meeting, students made a decision on the vital subject of what Santa’s ride for the Christmas Pageant will be. Options were the TS Kybra Cadet Boat, the Surf Lifesaving Boat or the Marine and Rescue Truck, with deliberation and questions on visibility, safety and non confining conditions for the jolly fella. Points considered during the debate included the ability to improve safety for Santa to stand and wave to the crowd from each vehicle, that all the vehicles represented volunteer organisations essential to our community, and various opinions on which vehicle would be the most suitable. Our young Shire President, Councillors and Directors also faced probing questions from the junior journalists present!
So, which vehicle will Santa arrive and travel in for the Christmas Pageant? Well, you’ll just have to see for yourself on Sunday 8 December – and when you do, tip your hat to our young leaders who worked through the pros and cons of a safe ride for Santa and great visibility for us all to see him!
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