Live4Life Year 9 Crew inducted at RACV Inverloch

CELEBRATING the first year in Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires, 45 Year 9 students from secondary colleges across the district participated in their crew induction today at RACV Inverloch.

Supported by both councils, The Crew provides young people the opportunity to be leaders in their local area, and advocate for mental health support and education.

“It’s really exciting,” Live4LifeCoordinator for Bass Coast and South Gippsland, Georgie said.

“Bringing ambassadors from high schools across both shires together to create change within schools.

“And bringing awareness to these issues – it’s great to be able to work within such a range of people within the community.”

Students who otherwise would not put their hand up for leadership roles have, and it has made Georgie and Live4Life Gippsland Community Engagement Coordinator, Sara, very proud.

“Our Crew component is probably our most pivotal part,” Sara said.

“We like to think of it as the glue that ties the whole program together – we are nothing for young people without young people.”

Director of Economy and Community South Gippsland Shire Renae Littlejohn, and Bass Coast Shire Councillor, Brett Tessari were on hand to help open today’s induction and stressed the importance of the student’s new leadership roles.

Drawing on her years as mum to three and previous career as an art teacher, Renae touched on the importance of friendship.

“I’m excited to see so many young people put their hands up to support each other around mental health and hope that this program has a long-lasting legacy,” Renae said.

Also, a father of three, Cr Tessari touched on his experience as a parent and Bass Coast Shire’s role in assisting and inspiring young people.

And students were just as excited to learn and kick off the program in our region.

“It’s a new experience for our school and the opportunity to be around new people – I decided to give it a crack,” Korumburra Secondary College student Daniel said.