School leaders from across the City of Casey gathered at the Akoonah Park Centre on the cool morning of Friday, 6 June, as Berwick MP and Opposition leader Brad Battin spoke to them about leadership.
There were 13 schools in attendance, with tables in the open space filled with eager youth as Battin delivered a seminar-style course on what it means to be a leader.
“Being a leader is not thinking about yourself, but instead thinking about things you can do to improve others,” he said.
“This includes others around you, and to pass it on to these kids, I just think it’s important to have that generational change of leadership in Victoria.”
Akin to the everyday school classroom, the conversations began lightly, touching on sport, the children’s favourite teams, and their hobbies.
But soon it became clear that the children were there to learn when Battin spoke of the qualities of a leader, and hands were quick to shoot up in the air.
Students spoke of resilience, perseverance, and determination, but many also spoke of kindness, consideration, and teamwork, as not many were shy about letting their voices be heard.
Schools present were Brentwood Park Primary School, Mirniyan Primary School, Beaconsfield Primary School, Clyde Creek Primary School, Harkaway Primary School and St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar.
Also in attendance were students from Topirum Primary School, Turrun Primary School, St. Michael’s Primary School, Haileybury College, Ramlegh Park Primary School, Hillcrest Christian College, and Berwick Fields Primary School.
Battin began the conversation by saying that there is “no such thing as a natural leader” and that, like many skills, it can be achieved through hard work and by anyone.
When asked on the way he delivered the message to the children, Battin emphasised that there is a balance struck between recognising their youth, but also their potential.
“These conversations, I would say, are not in a soft way; it’s letting the kids understand that the things they can do are sometimes going to take courage,” Battin said.
“It’s going to take passion, and giving these kids the permission that sometimes, things can go wrong as well.
“But as long as you can learn from that, you can be a great leader in the future.”
School teachers were also present during lunch, as pizza and fruit were served for the young ones during the event.
