Students at four Upper Yarra primary schools have received funding to turn project ideas into reality and drive positive change locally, as part of the Change Squad pilot program.
Change Squad saw students in Grades 5 and 6 from Warburton Primary School, Millwarra Primary School, Wesburn Primary School and Yarra Junction Primary School work in their classroom and with Council staff to learn about the role of local government and develop project ideas to make a positive impact on their communities.
Following a day of workshops with Council staff, students returned to the Lilydale Civic Centre to pitch their project ideas.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that Council had delivered nearly $2000 in funding for each school, to help turn the students' ideas into reality.
"Change Squad has brought together a bunch of enthusiastic students, to help them learn more about the democratic process and inspire them to make a change in their communities," Cr Higgins said.
"When the students pitched their ideas to us, we saw that enthusiasm woven through their projects.
"We heard pitches about supporting animal shelters, wildlife carers and animal rescue organisations; projects that have a goal of fundraising for hospitals, medical research and vulnerable community members, and; a project to support tourists to navigate the region safely on high fire risk days."
Other ideas listed by students include the proposals for a buddy bench where children can make new friends; ideas for new school uniforms with native animals incorporated into the design; a sport shed; outdoor classroom spaces; a local comedy show; a school sensory garden; improvements to school furniture; starting a petition for improved pedestrian access to local bridges; a movie night fundraiser for the school; improved litter removal; a local food pantry; an animal shelter; support for children with Cerebral Palsy; raising money for diabetes research, and; a car wash to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital.
Cr Higgins said Change Squad was a reminder that young people can, and do, make positive changes in their community.
"This project had a tagline of young voices, mighty ideas, and that's exactly what we've seen from each of the participants," he said.
"But the ideas aren't where this ends. Change Squad participants are knowledgeable, passionate and more than capable of making changes in their community. Projects don't always have to be led by adults, and sometimes they shouldn't.
"The role of adults here is to listen and support. I'm proud that part of our support is providing a financial leg-up, so that these students can get their projects off the ground, make an impact and, hopefully, ignite a lifelong love of helping others.
"It was an honour to meet these driven young people and I can't wait to see what's next."
Students will continue working on their projects with support from Council staff, and opportunities to meet with local community groups.
