The future of regional leadership was on display this week as participants in the 2025 Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue visited Orange City Council to gain valuable insights into civic leadership, decision-making, and local government operations.
A project of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West and in its sixth year, Ten4Ten connects ten Year 11 students from across the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne regions with ten influential community mentors, providing unique opportunities to grow their leadership skills and explore career pathways.
The students from Molong Central School, Canowindra High School, James Sheahan Catholic High School, Anson Street School and Kinross Wolaroi School visited the Orange Civic Centre on Monday with Regional Development Australia Central West Director of Regional Development, Josh Gordon, and Communications and Engagement Manager, Rachel Chippendale.
During the visit, students met with Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, Councillor Gerald Power, and Council Directors Scott Maunder, Ian Greenham and Mark Hodges. The session included a visit to the Council Chambers, a briefing on key projects, hearing about career journeys and department responsibilities and an open Q&A where students engaged in thoughtful discussions about the city of Orange.
Cr Mileto praised the initiative.
"It's inspiring to see young people so engaged in their community and eager to understand how local government works. Programs like Ten4Ten are vital for nurturing the next generation of regional leaders," Cr Mileto said.
The visit also highlighted the importance of regional voices in shaping the future of NSW. Ten4Ten participants shared their aspirations and ideas for building a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking Orange.
RDA Central West Director of Regional Development, Josh Gordon, welcomed the opportunity to visit Council again this year as a highlight of the Ten4Ten calendar of events.
"We're thrilled to partner with Orange City Council to give our Ten4Ten participants real-world exposure to public leadership. These students are the changemakers of tomorrow, and experiences like today's help cement their confidence and capability," Mr Gordon said.
The Ten4Ten Leadership Dialogue continues through 2025, with a series of site visits, mentor engagements, and leadership development.
Next up for the Ten4Ten 2025 cohort is a visit to Ramsey Health's Dudley Private Hospital and an excursion to NSW State Parliament hosted by Member for Orange Phil Donato.
