Actress takes on model role

ACTRESS Madeleine West spoke at a special function in Berwick last month to honour student leaders and school captains from across the City of Casey.
The annual Casey Student Leaders Reception was hosted by City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon on Wednesday 27 March at the Berwick Church of Christ.
About 300 primary and secondary school leaders attended the special event where Madeleine West gave an inspiration talk about overcoming obstacles and following dreams.
Madeleine left a shattered home at the age of 16 to pursue her life dreams on her own.
With enormous determination she was able to put herself through school, achieving high enough marks to be accepted into law at university.
Due to her passion for performance, Madeleine deferred her studies when she was offered a major role on Australia’s longest running TV series, Neighbours.
After her performing career took off, Madeleine was tragically hit by a bus which not only almost killed her but also nearly ended her performing career, something she had worked for so hard and so long to achieve.
At the event, Cr Stapledon congratulated the students on being selected as leaders for 2013 and shared some of her own leadership tips gleaned from her role as mayor.
“I encourage you to embrace these roles and do your best to be role models for your peers,” Cr Stapledon said.
“ I hope that you will all be inspired to find out more about how to be an effective leader.”
Presentations from four of Casey’s young leaders, along with a musical performance, highlighted the contributions of young people to community life in the municipality.