Year 9 CLC Program

Our Year 9 Community Leadership Challenge (CLC) students have once again been making a positive impact across the Wangaratta community, continuing a proud 20-year tradition of volunteering and service. Each Wednesday, students don their iconic blue shirts and head into the community, building empathy, kindness, gratitude, and leadership through meaningful service.

Students have been involved in a wide range of projects throughout the term. At Wangaratta West Primary School, two groups assisted staff and students, with one supporting physical education activities in preparation for Cross Country and another working alongside Grade 2 students in classrooms, helping with literacy, numeracy, and specialist subjects. Many of our volunteers are former Wangaratta West students, making the experience a rewarding opportunity to give back to their former school community.

Another group worked alongside the Inner Wheel team at The Centre, helping prepare more than 100 meals for vulnerable members of our community through Carevan. Students also supported Wang Night Shelter initiatives, baking fresh Anzac biscuits for guests at Zac’s Place and leading the "Roll On Into Winter" drive, collecting 96 roll-on deodorants to be included in rough sleeper support packs.

Students have also brought joy and connection to residents at St John's Village. A highlight of the program saw Mia Zachariou and Willow Norris organise a special concert for more than 30 residents. Joined by local vocalist Paris Zachariou and resident John Duncan, the performance had the audience singing, clapping, and reminiscing, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Through their volunteering, our CLC students are developing leadership, confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of community responsibility while making a genuine difference to the lives of others. We are incredibly proud of the initiative, compassion, and commitment they continue to demonstrate throughout the program and thank our many community partners who help make these valuable experiences possible.