29 Jun 2023
Students from our College took part in an extraordinary mock Council Meeting held in council chambers, facilitated by Mayor Peta Pinson, to showcase the principles of democracy in action.
Dr Clare Allen, the CEO of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, graciously took the time to offer valuable advice for our students that will benefit their future career paths. She emphasized the significance of effective communication skills, building positive relationships and problem-solving. She provided practical tips, such as the importance of writing down the top 10 priorities every day and maintaining discipline. Dr Allen also emphasised the value of having role models and highlighted the benefits of collaborating with purpose-driven individuals who possess a positive mindset. According to her, with these ingredients, one can move mountains.
This remarkable initiative, developed by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West, offered our students a profound insight into the decision-making processes within local government. Prior to the meeting, our students were given a week to thoroughly review information, conduct research and formulate their perspectives on two significant regional topics:
- Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct
- Ocean Pool at Oxley Beach
During the mock meeting, our students were tasked with deliberating whether Council should allocate $200,000 for the detailed design of the drainage system at Tuffins Lane, as well as considering various requests outlined in the Draft Operational Plan from the Tidal Pool Committee.
This initiative presented an exceptional opportunity for our students to acknowledge their roles within the local community and cultivate a practical comprehension of democracy.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Mayor Pinson, Dr Allen and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West for graciously inviting us to participate in this wonderful event. We look forward to future opportunities for continued involvement and collaboration.
