Nevaeh’s letter gets footpath improved

MEREDITH Primary School grade two student Nevaeh Measures has proved young letter-writing lobbyists can make a positive difference within their local community.

A pathway is currently under construction between Woolabrai and the school following Nevaeh’s influential and passionate advocacy.

In 2019, she hand-wrote a letter to Member for Corangamite Libby Coker and delivered it to her during a visit to the school, suggesting the footpath be created so she could safely and cleanly cycle to and from Meredith Primary, and her mother could push a pram alongside.

“I try to ride my bike, but I keep falling off in the mud and on the stones,” Nevaeh said.

“My mum can’t push the pram with my baby brother and sister because they bounce everywhere and hurt their heads.

“Thank you for listening and helping.”

Now, some two years later there’s action on the footpath and Ms Coker congratulated Nevaeh on her advocacy.

“Nevaeh did a great job of drawing attention to an important local issue,” Ms Coker said.

“She should be proud of getting a great outcome for the community. It’s encouraging to see young people step up and raise their voice on issues that matter.”

Meredith Primary School principal Steven Trotter said he was pleased with his pupils, their commitment to service, and their achievements throughout the local community.

Nevaeh’s letter wasn’t the first time students at the school had a big hand in improving the town, with $420,000 recently allocated from the State budget for Meredith skate park after advocacy from a pair of former students.

“One of the key responsibilities of Meredith Primary School is to ensure our students build skills and a passion to contribute to the local and wider communities as positive, active citizens,” Mr Trotter said.

“Both Nevaeh, and recently Harley and Max’s outstanding achievements in the Meredith community, have been driven by each student’s selfless passions.

“Meredith Primary School’s role is to provide all of our students with the appropriate communication, consultation and critical thinking skills, whilst embedding a sense of community pride and a platform for our students to thrive and pursue their desired pathway.”