Young leaders return with enthusiasm
Monday, 14 May 2007

(from left) David Murray, Danielle Matthews, Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre CEO Rochelle Towart and Luke Brown

Youth leaders Luke, David and Danielle and (far right) Ganbina Project Officer Geoff West pictured with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and Victoria Police Youth Affairs officer Andy Walsh

Danielle, Luke and David at Parliament House in Canberra

David Murray got the buzz of his life recently when he met his prospective employer - Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon.

"Absolutely sensational - she was fantastic," David said. He was impressed with her dedication, courage and determination to never give up on her goals and aspirations. David was chuffed to get her business card and he has been invited back to do work experience at Victoria Police Headquarters later this year as his career interests include becoming a police officer.

 "She was just an ordinary person like us," he said. Fellow Ganbina Indigenous Youth Leaders Danielle Matthews and Luke Brown were equally impressed by Commissioner Nixon's life, her achievements and her views on leadership.

The youth leaders met Commissioner Nixon during their recent Melbourne to Canberra road trip. The 5-day leadership trip was jammed packed kicking off with seats at Olympic Park for the Storm vs. Warriors NRL game and ending with a huge day in Canberra visiting 6 locations in one day!

Their days had tight schedules - 8.30am to 10pm most days and they got to meet about 10-15 Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders and visit about 20 different locations the two of Australia's most progressive capital cities.

 "We learnt that leadership is about listening and being confident...keys parts like courage, learning from your mistakes and being able to get past criticism," David said.

 Danielle said the biggest lesson she learnt was that "having courage makes a great leader". Luke said he learnt "you have to go for anything that comes at you and have a lot of honesty and listening skills".

"Most of the people we met started with nothing and they took a lot of risks and chances. They are all very good leaders in their roles and they love helping and doing things for the Indigenous community."

The leaders' can't wait for their next trip to Cairns in the July holidays - for some it will be the first experience on a plane!