More than 60 Year 11 students from schools across the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains took part in the Macquarie Youth Leadership Forum at Merroo Christian Centre at Kurrajong Hills.
In its fifth year and hosted by Macquarie MP Louise Markus from November 6 to 8, the forum was a three-day camp for student leaders.
Students from Colo, Hawkesbury and Richmond high schools and Bede Polding College participated in team building activities and heard six guest speakers, including ultra-marathon athlete Pat Farmer and Air Commodore Warren McDonald.
Mrs Markus said the forum was a personal highlight of the year for her, being able to meet local students and seeing them develop strong friendships and grow in confidence.
‘‘I believe that investing in the next generation of leaders is something we cannot do enough of,’’ she said.
‘‘These students are our future and will possibly one day be the next leaders of business, government and the arts.
‘‘The skills they build and relationships they develop over the few days they are together are invaluable and will hopefully be something that stays with them.’’
As part of the forum, students spent the Saturday afternoon at Bligh Park Community Centre completing a community service project.
This involved helping to rejuvenate the outside of the centre, including the shed and play equipment.
Bethany from Hawkesbury High School said it was an extremely positive experience.
‘‘I was lucky enough to be able to engage in creating new friendships and through them learn how to together lead our generation,’’ she said.
Mrs Markus acknowledged sponsors for their generous support which enabled the students to attend: Bendigo Bank (which sponsored 24 students), Rachael Goldsworthy Real Estate and John W. Hogan Solicitors.
