Leading the way

Gembrook MP Brad Battin speaks to students about leadership.

By Taylah Eastwell

The leaders of tomorrow were treated to a leadership lunch with Liberal State Member for Gembrook Brad Battin at Akoonah Park in Berwick on Wednesday 7 August.

Mr Battin invited four leaders from each primary school in the Gembrook electorate to discuss local, national and international leaders and the lesson’s students can take from these positive role models.

Making reference to Hellen Kellar, the first deaf and blind woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Nelson Mandela, Mr Battin instilled in students the importance of believing in themselves.

While enjoying pizza, students engaged in a collaborative discussion with the Liberal MP about what it means to be a leader and the importance of continual self-development. Students heard about the importance of communicating, listening and fighting for equality.

The school leaders were then invited to share why they chose to be a leader and the areas in which they could improve, before being presented with a certificate of achievement.

Mr Battin said he believes it is important that young people have every opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“I’ve developed leadership skills over my time in the police force and in my current role and if I can pass some of those skills on it’s only going to be better for our future,” Mr Battin said.

Principal of Beaconsfield Primary School Gary Methven said it was exciting for the kids to have this leadership opportunity.

“We really appreciate the efforts of our local member in bringing it all together,” he said.

“Allowing the kids to network like this across schools is really important.”