New youth trainee as Shire farewell departing officer

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River this week sees a handing over of the reins of the Community Development Trainee role with Kate Mann departing the position and Hope Sortras taking the helm.   The trainee role is a 12-month long position filled annually by a Year 12 graduate who works with Shire staff on projects around youth development, community engagement, event planning and communications. Kate says while it’s sad to leave the relationships she’s built in the position, she is looking forward to moving to Bunbury to continue her studies and experience living and working in a larger metropolitan centre.   “I have really enjoyed my time as the 2019 Community Development trainee,” she said. “It’s provided me with some useful skills and unique opportunities to work with a broad range of community members. “I’ve learnt the importance of establishing strong relationships and partnerships. “If I could pass on any departing message it would be that we need to keep empowering young people, giving them opportunities to grow outside the boundaries of our small community.” Kate counts her memorable moments in the role as

Coordination of the Drug Aware MRSAMM19 youth event for the Shire with the Margaret River Youth Advisory Council (YAC), focused at showcasing the talent of young people in the community as well as providing them with a variety of mental health and drug awareness resources

Planning and running of the Djeran Youth Week Festival in partnership with the Undalup association, encouraging awareness connection to indigenous culture with young people and community

Youth MC for the Community Climate Action summit which involved facilitation of discussion surrounding community action in making sustainable changes

Coordination of the Councilor for a day and Youth Climate summit events  with MRSHS and surrounding Primary Schools

Creation and Implementation of R U OK awareness: Yellow bench project, which saw staff and community awareness of mental health in colleagues

Planning and Assistance with Surfing WA Healthy Habits youth event

South West Mudfest trip coordination, establishing partnership between YAC and Yeah the Boyz youth group

Kav Temperley Songwriting workshop for young musicians in the community

Variety of training opportunities: Media, Cultural Awareness, Access and Inclusion, Mental health, first aid

Coordination of Youth services and activities out of the Youth Precinct in Margaret River.

Incoming trainee Hope says she is excited to start the role, which she applied for with the goal of wanting to know her own community better. “Working in a local government position at such a young age is nerve racking to me, but I am ready to take on any challenge that this role will show me.” “Providing learning opportunities and events for young people is something I want to focus on this year,” she said. “I’m from Augusta so I am hoping to create exciting opportunities for local youths in the south of the Shire and encourage young people to get more involved with the community they live in.” Hope, who has a range of interests including swimming, music, and environmental and animal welfare, says she wishes to broaden her horizons and learn new life skills. Community Development Officer and trainee supervisor Jessica Black wishes both girls well for the year ahead. “Kate has made an invaluable contribution to our Shire and our community’s youth programs,” she said. “She certainly has a very bright future and we are very proud to be a small part of her journey. “We warmly welcome Hope and are excited to have such a wonderful asset on our team. “She has an interesting and diverse background that will stand her, and the Shire, in good stead to deliver some fantastic outcomes for the whole of the community.”