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<\/p>\nSTUDENTS at Surf Coast Secondary are being encouraged to \u201cbe in charge\u201d of their own futures, and helping to drive home that message was two-time Liz Ellis Diamond Award recipient and netballer Madi Browne.<\/p>\n
The Victoria Police-run \u2018Girl in Charge\u2019 program was officially launched last Wednesday at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium with sponsors and uniformed police members in attendance for the announcement.<\/p>\n
Last Wednesday\u2019s congregation was hosted by Sergeant Kylie Power and Detective Senior Constable Kylie Roberts, who both helped organise and produce the program.<\/p>\n
Girl in Charge is a nine-week program involving 16 girls from Surf Coast Secondary College that aims to cultivate the students\u2019 love of netball while also fostering a positive self-image and working towards a healthy goal.<\/p>\n
The program will also have a line-up of guest speakers, including last Wednesday\u2019s Madi Browne, who took the girls through a wellbeing course on \u2018hustle and focus\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Kylie [Roberts] reached out to me, I was quite blown away with the effort they were putting in for these girls,\u201d Browne said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNetball can be participated in by literally anyone, you don\u2019t have to be tall, short or skinny.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d
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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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Ms Roberts said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really want to build their confidence and personal drive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the conclusion of the program, students will ultimately attain an Australian Netball Umpiring Qualification, providing them with added opportunities for employment.<\/p>\n
Girl in Charge is sponsored by Surf Coast Suns, McCartney Real Estate, Surf Coast Times and Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team.<\/p>\n
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STUDENTS at Surf Coast Secondary are being encouraged to \u201cbe in charge\u201d 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 \u2018Girl in Charge\u2019 program was officially launched last Wednesday at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium with sponsors and uniformed […]<\/p>\n