Lead On participant responses 2006

“I really treasure my time at Lead On with fond memories – it gave me a kick start to life and taught me about life skills, people, business, community and most of all myself. If it wasn’t for Lead On I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing what I do.”

“From the different roles and responsibilities I had through my involvement in Lead On, my confidence in my skills, abilities and what I could achieve grew.”

“I have a greater belief in myself, and what others can achieve, if only given the chance.”

“Through Lead On I met people I wouldn’t usually meet, including young people from other schools and backgrounds as well as a range of professionals and community leaders, who I still have business relationships with to this day. It often put you out of your comfort zone, but in the long term it has proved to be valuable.”

“The connection I got with my community is something that Lead On has given me. It has also given me the confidence to go out there and get involved.”

“My involvement in Lead On grew in me a great sense of community and what communities as a whole can achieve. While I have tried to maintain a level of involvement in Lead On, I actively sought work in a community minded work environment so that each day I was helping communities achieve their goals.”

“It opened the door, without Lead On’s help I wouldn't be where I am today, through Lead On is where I got a job interview for the job I have been doing for over 3 years now.”

“Before I started my involvement with Lead On I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life. Lead On gave me the chance to go out in the community and meet business leaders. These business leaders have inspired me to work in the business field. I know that Lead On is teaching me the skills that I need in life but also how to be activity involved in my community.”

“I moved away from Bendigo and then returned home, but continued my involvement with Lead On the entire time.”

“Being involved with Lead On helps you to realise the importance of getting involved and to make the most of things whether it is in the wider community, within a club, at work or even within your own family.”

“I believe Lead On changed my entire view on work and what to expect from life and led to a desire to work in a challenging, community orientated work environment.”

“Lead on was heaps of other things, like getting opportunities to be involved in things that may not have seemed totally relevant at the time, but the knowledge gained always becomes beneficial somewhere down the track.”

“Lead On gave me the opportunity to be a valued member of the community with something to contribute.”

“ Lead On had me dealing with people from different social groups within your own peer group, people in businesses and organisations throughout the community expose you to people you wouldn’t normally come across in your day to day life. Lead On breaks down the barriers between these groups and leads to some strong lasting bonds.”

“Lead On allows you to meet people from all walks of life and actually gives the opportunity to be part of a community.”

“I believe that Lead On was the greatest, life changing experience of my life. The belief in myself, the outlook on life, the opportunities provided and the friendships I gained from Lead On were invaluable.”

“I wouldn’t be half as confident or ambitious as I am had it not been for Lead On. If I ever feel as though there is a task too big, I just remind myself of what I accomplished when I was 16/17 and this gives me the knowledge that I can continue to move up in my career, regardless of what I am faced with.”

“If it wasn’t for lead on I wouldn’t have the interpersonal and business skills that I have today which definitely played a huge part in my ability to literally walk into jobs.”

“I believe the best thing about Lead On is their ability to foster mutually beneficial relationships in the community; everyone involved in a project/program usually benefits in some way or another.”

“There is no one particular thing that stands out as the best. Lead On is an experience that builds individuals and community in so many ways. The experiences, projects, friendships, involvement and the feeling of connection and worth combine to create a fantastic experience for individuals that can last well beyond schooling years.”

Lead On to me is about connecting and empowering young people and allowing the rest of the community to see the importance of youth and co-operation has got to be good for any community, in both the long and short term.”

“Lead on has given me opportunities that nobody else would ever have provided me with, it has given me the provisions to grow as a person and learn a lot about myself and the outer business world and community.”

"Lead On...? What does this mean? Is it an elitist club just for the smart kids at school? Do I have to be invited into this exclusive club? The answer to both of these questions is NO!
Just briefly, I would like to touch on what Lead On is to me.
Lead On, is the most amazing youth experience that gives young people from all walks of life the opportunity to have a voice in their community. More than often, the youth of Lead On find themselves in real life community and business situations, working towards a serious and enjoyable outcome!
Lead On has given me so many things that I am today. Its given me the confidence to face up to people, the information to make my own choices, the courage to speak up, to make a difference in my community, the chance to become a Youth Advisory Board Chairperson, not to mention my fantastic job at Bendigo Bank! But I don't wish to speak about myself today.
I want to talk to you about all the benefits that the Lead On journey has provided me. It's always a different person that you see walking in the door of Lead On than the person that you see walking out the door after a few weeks or months. Many young people have been shy, maybe come from troubled backgrounds, from private school, from public school, have red hair, blonde hair, purple hair we have the lot and the best thing is, that everyone is accepted for their own personality and abilities.
Through Lead On I have seen so many of Bendigo's youth grow and change in so many different ways. Many have developed the taste to get out there and make a difference in their community. Others have developed in more subtle ways. For myself, and a lot of others, Lead On was a chance to make new friends and be introduced to prominent people from our community, building networks and confidence simultaneously.
The people that you meet through Lead On quite often become long time friends. And the business contacts will remain with you. It gives self-assurance to know that our local business people are so friendly, down to earth and are not afraid to get out there and mingle with youth offering them the opportunities that they need to develop. Another thing that I just adore about Lead On is the sense of community that it brings to each and every one of the participants. Most youth growing up in country towns, such as Bendigo, believe the only avenue open to them is to leave town after they finish school. They believe that they will never get where they want, or be able to do the things that they want if they remain in the country. Lead On has changed this perception, giving young people the chance to meet with the members of their community and learn about what their own home town has to offer.
Lead On has touched me in lots of ways and will always be a part of my life. As much as I love what I got out of Lead On, the fantastic thing for me is seeing what others have got out of it and watching them develop. As well as meeting many new people and securing many business prospects it has also given me such a huge confidence rush, that I may have never ventured out of my comfort zone to receive.
So, whether its donning a chicken suit, dressing as a Can Can dancer, running events or writing for Loop, Lead On is a fantastic program and I would encourage everyone to get in and have a go!
Melanie Eeles - Chair Bendigo Lead On Youth Advisory Committee and Bendigo Bank OnCall Consultant

"Lead On has been a great stepping-stone for my future. Being involved with Lead On has expanded my networks, opened avenues for me to pursue in the media industry and helped me decide the direction I want to head in. Lead On provides the opportunity to gain new skills, coupled with a genuine sense of self-achievement when a project is completed. Through Lead On I have been able to write for the Bendigo Advertiser and the Bendigo Bombers Football Club. It has been a great experience. The writing, communication and organisation skills I have gained will certainly benefit my future employment prospects."
Daniel Vaughan - Lead On Bendigo

"From the time I started designing Loop in Bendigo as a teenager, I had dreams of one day opening my own business. Loop was the kick-start to my career. It gave me experience in my chosen field and was undoubtedly worth the time spent each Sunday. Being a part of Lead On not only helped me begin to develop my portfolio but also gave me the confidence necessary to progress through my degree in Graphic Design and into full time work. More recently I gave up my job and opened my own business and so far it has been great. Things seem to be falling into place pretty well. At 23 I still stay in touch with Lead On and work on projects where time permits."
Drew Jongebloed - Lead On Bendigo

"Working as an organising member of the Xtreme Reading Festival has been an awesome experience. I have had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of running something so big. I meet a lot of authors and added a heap of books to my must read in the holidays list. I have experienced event managing, media releases, public speaking and even learnt how to convey my ideas to others. Being involved with Lead On has given me the chance to make new friends and the thrill, of working as a team. I've had a fantastic year and didn't know I was capable of so many things."
Lisa Martin - Lead On Bendigo

"Personally, I think Lead On is really good to get involved in. It provides a great opportunity to achieve your dreams, and to show everyone your talent. Like in my case for instance. I was really interested in writing and now thanks to Lead On, my stories get published in LOOP every Wednesday. Not only that but it also got me involved in the radio show, Rock Angels. Lead On also gets you used to your future career. I especially like the way Lead On listens to the youth of Mildura and lets them make all their imaginary ideas a REALITY.
Overall I would say, for me it's great fun and when I'm older I would say that being involved in Lead On was close to the best work experience. (And I like that no matter how young you are, you can get involved and no one will say, "NO, you're just a kid!")"
Nurcan Celik - Lead On Mildura

"Lead On has given me a chance to have my voice heard, and have my ideas turned into something real! With Lead On, there are no limits to what YOU can do. I have been involved in running a Short Film Festival, publishing the weekly newspaper LOOP, and many other worthy projects.
I can put all the things I have done with Lead On into my portfolio for my future job seeking, and I add new things all the time. You learn something new everyday at Lead On, and that's why Lead On is awesome!"
Brendan Storer - Lead On Mildura

"Lead On has given me the chance to be involved in my community and to take opportunities when they come my way. Lead On has helped with my leadership skills and I am now more aware of what's going on in my community. To me, Lead On is like a pathway to my future and if I go on about what Lead On has helped me with in my life, this message would get to long. So to sum it up, I'll say that if it wasn't for Lead On I wouldn't be as successful as I am now."
Reyhan Celik - Lead On Mildura

"Having worked in the Cairns business community for the past four years, I felt that becoming part of the Youth Advisory Board would enable me to share my experience and knowledge and assist in developing the skills of the other members. It is a great opportunity for me to gain experience on a Board and extend the philosophy of connecting youth with the business community so they can mature and learn together as a team. It is great to be part of an organisation that exists solely on motivated and enthusiastic people contributing their time and energy to the growth and development of our youth."
Emma Reynolds
Chairperson, Youth Advisory Board - Lead On Cairns

"To me, Lead On is a place where I can contribute to the community and have my say in a social atmosphere. It's important that young people are able to feel like valued members for the local community and Lead On give us that. Maintaining the relationship between youth and the community through a variety of real projects that allow young people to develop leadership, teamwork and cooperative skills.
I found that my experience as LOOP editor has accelerated my development of these skills. Lead On is an invaluable resource for young people, enabling them to challenge themselves and make a positive contribution to the community."
Hannah McNeill - Lead On Echuca

"I became a participant of Lead On in March this year. Since then my journey has been both exciting and meaningful, as I have gained skills that will help me as I approach higher levels of my education.
The best thing is the experiences I've had and the things that I've learnt since I became a member of the Echuca/Moama site. The first project that I was involved in was the "Lets Do It Day" but the most memorable project would be the 2004 Community Dinner, being awarded as "participant of the quarter".
I have come to the conclusion that the perception of youth has changed a lot. As organizations like Lead On are breaking down the barriers and showing the older people of the community that if we are given a challenge we will succeed."
Ricky Walker - Lead On Echuca

"For the past two years, I have been involved in many Lead On projects, from Lead On Inc to the Youth Advisory Board. I have just about at one stage or another, tried everything Lead On has to offer.
I guess the reason that I am still here today, is the fun that you can have while achieving something. I have met a lot of my friends through Lead On, everyone just seems to get along, which is another great point to make. Nearly everybody who walks in the door gets on with everyone else, which I guess is what makes it so fun.
Throughout the last two years, Lead On has helped me improve my social skills and my communication skills. Not to mention giving me a first hand look at how to manage and lay-out a newspaper lift out (Loop), or organize and manage an entire raffle (2003 Cubby House Raffle)."
Michael Massey - Lead On Swan Hill

"What Lead On Has Helped Me Achieve!!
Lead On, Swan Hill has helped me gain experience in many areas. I've meet new people and enjoyed trying out different and new activities. Some examples of these include, putting my English skills to full use by proofreading 'Loop' and my organisational skills have been finetuned by co-managing several different types of projects, including artistic, literate, business and even fashion!! I've had the time of my (short) life here at Lead On!"
Ming-Li Hafon - Lead On Swan Hill

"I've been a member of Lead On Swan Hill for two years now and every time I come to Lead On I have a lots of fun. I've made a lot of great friendships and plan to have many more fun times. I have written an article in nearly every single edition of Loop and I am still really enjoying it here."
Thomas Decker - Lead On Swan Hill

"I've had a great chance to meet with the people who run our community."
Brendan - Lead On Beaudesert

"Lead On has given me the skills to negotiate with business and community leaders."
Mat - Lead On Beaudesert

"I have lots more confidence now and have achieved a higher standing in the community."
Lisa - Lead On Beaudesert

"It's great to be with other young people who are interested in what I'm interested in."
Dave - Lead On Beaudesert