Surf Coast Secondary girls take charge through new program

STUDENTS at Surf Coast Secondary are being encouraged to “be in charge” of their own futures, and helping to drive home that message was two-time Liz Ellis Diamond Award recipient and netballer Madi Browne.

The Victoria Police-run ‘Girl in Charge’ program was officially launched last Wednesday at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium with sponsors and uniformed police members in attendance for the announcement.

Last Wednesday’s congregation was hosted by Sergeant Kylie Power and Detective Senior Constable Kylie Roberts, who both helped organise and produce the program.

Girl in Charge is a nine-week program involving 16 girls from Surf Coast Secondary College that aims to cultivate the students’ love of netball while also fostering a positive self-image and working towards a healthy goal.

The program will also have a line-up of guest speakers, including last Wednesday’s Madi Browne, who took the girls through a wellbeing course on ‘hustle and focus’.

“When Kylie [Roberts] reached out to me, I was quite blown away with the effort they were putting in for these girls,” Browne said.

“Netball can be participated in by literally anyone, you don’t have to be tall, short or skinny.

“I think it is really important for these girls to get out there, and we saw here today that even the more quiet girls were a bit more outspoken and that is what netball can bring out of you.”

The program came about in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ms Roberts and Ms Power thought it would be good to do something for the community, particularly young people.

“We both had coached Under 15 girls, so it was at that time that we decided to formulate a program incorporating girls and netball, and what better way to do that than attaining a Netball Umpiring Qualification, given the lack of umpires we have,” Ms Roberts said.

“We really want to build their confidence and personal drive.

“We also hope this program helps develop leadership skills, speaking in public, displaying resilience, and just developing some key life skills through a more holistic approach.”

At the conclusion of the program, students will ultimately attain an Australian Netball Umpiring Qualification, providing them with added opportunities for employment.

Girl in Charge is sponsored by Surf Coast Suns, McCartney Real Estate, Surf Coast Times and Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team.