Geelong’s Young Leader Award winner announced

MEMBER for Corio Richard Marles has awarded the 2021 Geelong Leaders Award to a promising young girl who draws her inspiration from political leader Jacinda Ardern.

Cate McNeil, 12, received the annual acknowledgement in recognition of her leadership qualities which include listening and providing opportunities for others to be heard in school.

As a part of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition’s commitment to identifying and rewarding young leaders in the community, Mr Marles offers sponsorship for an ‘Outstanding Leadership Award’ available to each school located in the electorate of Corio.

Recipients from those primary schools can then self-nominate for the esteemed Geelong Young Leader Award.

The event, which usually takes place on January 26, was moved forward by Mr Marles who opted for the Monday this year.

He said it was a pleasure to meet some of the future leaders while acknowledging their contributions to the community.

“All finalists have demonstrated leadership through their courage and being good role models for their peers,” he said.

“Winner Cate McNeil and finalists Koby Olsen, Grace Holton, and Mathilda Garrido are all thoughtful and caring in their leaderships, yet when faced with challenges in life have met it with resilience and determination.”

As a part of the application process each student was required to respond to a written question asking them to reflect on a leader who inspires them and how they implement that into their community.

In her application, Cate said she drew inspiration from the New Zealand Prime Minister who encourages her to listen to and value the voices of her peers.

“She has used empathy and listened to what her people were going through to decide how to move forward in the best way possible for her community,” Cate said.

“A thing that I did to inspire my own school community was out in the playground where kids, no matter what age, would feel free to come up to me for advice in a certain situation.

“Sometimes all they wanted was a listening ear and a supportive hand on their shoulder.”

Cate, who graduated from Newtown Primary School last year, was awarded the accolade in acknowledgment of her leadership positions at school and her local cricket club, as well as volunteering for patrols at a surf life saving club.

The 2020 school captain and St Joseph’s Cricket Club co-captain has also completed first aid training.

“Winner Cate McNeil is already leading in her community through sport and being first aid trained,” Mr Marles said.

“She puts listening at the centre of her leadership.”