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PASSIONATE about their community, Griffin Andrew and Anakin Bawden are keen to develop their advocacy skills to make an impact.
The St Patrick’s College duo started work with the latest intake of Western Bulldogs Leadership Project among 10 emerging young leaders.
A sock project captured their attention, with one group from last year’s program running a sock drive to warm the feet of Ballarat’s homeless.
They are interested in exploring what homelessness and poverty looks like in Ballarat, but are both open to discover other social issues across the city.
- READ MORE: Socks of the West is kicking goals
“School suggested the program, but I felt like I needed to do more to enhance my leadership skills and find a voice for what I believe in,” Griffin said.
“I know we’ll get to learn about ourselves in self-development.”
Western Bulldogs Leadership Project sessions started this week, following on from an opening retreat with other leadership groups in the west.
This is the third year the Bulldogs have run the Leadership Project in Ballarat, having expanded into Hepburn, Ararat, Stawell, the Pyrenees and Golden Plains last year.
Aimed at teenagers aged 14-16, the intense six-month program allows participants to learn from established community leaders and to grow in their own civic journey.
“It’s a really good chance to meet new people from other schools and backgrounds and engage in new issues,” Anakin said.
“We’re looking forward to have a project within the community and looking at spreading awareness and how to solve issues.”
- READ MORE: Courage to lead a pack – Riley’s story
Leadership Project is part of community development series AFL club Western Bulldogs has established in partnership with local governments across its territory.
In Ballarat, the club also leads men’s health initiative Sons of the West, the female version Daughters of the West and primary school literacy program Bulldogs Read.
Programs are part of the Bulldogs’ commitment to bring AFL to Ballarat while supporting and working with city specialists to develop the community.
The Bulldogs play their second AFL premiership season match against Gold Coast Suns at Mars Stadium on May 5.
