Eumemmerring MP Gordon RichPhillips, 2005 Casey Young Citizen of the Year Michelle Niazmand, and Dominic Arcaro attended the Australia Day Study Tour reunion.By Rebecca Fraser
PAST recipients of the Australia Day Study Tour Awards were reunited recently as part of the program’s 21st anniversary celebrations.
The initiative has given numerous Casey students the opportunity to visit and learn about all levels of Government in Australia.
City of Casey director community services Jennie Lee said in the past 21 years Australia Day Study Tour recipients had explored how the political system in Australia operates and had visited Parliament, the High Court and other National Capital facilities.
“This successful program continues to provide young people with an exciting opportunity to be exposed first hand to the workings of government in Australia and government leaders.
“Recipients are able to expand their knowledge, increase their connection to the community and further develop their skills,” she said.
Ms Lee also said groups had met the Prime Minister at least six times as well as senior ministers and importantly local MPs.
At the celebration dinner three past recipients spoke about their experiences on the tour and the positive impact the award had on their lives and careers.
Dominic Arcaro, who was on the first Australia Day Study Tour group of 1985, is now the development director of the Revitalising Central Dandenong Project for VicUrban.
Gordon RichPhillips MP was on the 1991 study tour and later became the youngest member of the Victorian Parliament.
The 2005 Casey Young Citizen of the Year, Michelle Niazmand, is one of the award winners on this year’s tour.
Ms Lee said the annual program continued a strong tradition which has seen 163 young share in the Australia Day Study Tour Awards experience in the past 21 years.
“Many of these past recipients have since furthered their interest in politics or current affairs and established careers in Government or community involvement,” Ms Lee added.
