During Term 3, Wycheproof P-12 VCE VM students participated in a Youth Take Over project, facilitated by North Central LLEN. 

This initiative encouraged students to step out of the classroom and engage with the Buloke Shire Council, gaining firsthand insight to local job opportunities and community development projects.

As part of the project, students toured many local towns, parks, and lakes across the Shire region, learning about past and present council initiatives, such as road upgrades, improved signage, and the lakeside accommodation development under the Government’s new tourism project. 

The students also conducted interviews with the Roads crew workers Ryan, Lee, Wayne and Adam at the Donald Depot, gaining valuable insights into their roles. Among the key takeaways were surprising facts like the requirement of a permit to mow the main street and the staggering cost of over $300,000 to repair just 1 kilometre of road.

Impact
This project had a profound impact on the students, reshaping their views of the shire and highlighting the many opportunities available. A student, Thomas Cotton, noted, “The lifestyle in Buloke Shire is fantastic for young people eager to work in the community. There are plenty of job opportunities for young adults, no matter what career path they choose.”

The students produced a range of promotional material for the Buloke Shire, including advertising videos to attract young people to the shire and the area. They presented these videos at the Youth Take Over launch event which was held on the 16th of September. 

Congratulations to Mia, Lily, Jacob, Heath, Will, Rhett, and Tom for their involvement and commitment to this inspiring project!