ABC Youth Takeover

In late 2022, an ABC representative visited MCC to work with our Year 9 students, encouraging them to tell their own stories. These stories were then submitted to the 'Takeover' competition. Two students from MCC, Anabelle Hawcroft and Asher Kelleher, were selected as winners and over the past few months have been working with writers and producers at the ABC to publish their stories. 

Along with 34 other local students, their stories were premiered at a Red Carpet Event at Deakin Cinema on Wednesday evening. It was an inspiring event as we heard the voices and experiences of some of Mildura's future leaders. The event was well attended with the cinema unable to provide enough seats for the crowds attending the event.

In week 5, Anabelle and Asher and 34 other ABC Takeover Mildura winners were also able to undertake a leadership program, also facilitated by the ABC, with input from VicHealth and FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal). The students worked in 6 small groups with a mentor to come up with an idea to improve the lives of young people in regional Australia. 

On Thursday afternoon at the Mildura Sporting Precinct, the groups presented their ideas to a packed house of local business, non-profit, educational and government representatives. Anabelle was in the 'Visibility of Disability' group with ideas for a program to celebrate and better represent the interests of youth with a disability in our region. Asher's group was FLP (Financial Literacy Program) with plans for events to teach younger Australians important financial skills and knowledge. 

Both of our students were outstanding in their confidence, poise and thoughtfulness as they worked with their teams.

Congratulations to both Asher and Anabelle and thank you to the ABC facilitators for their hard work in organizing a wonderful event.

Anabelle ABC Takeover Mildura link: https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-mildura/takeover-mildura-winner-anabelle/102321280

Asher ABC Takeover Mildura link: https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-mildura/tom-asher-audio/102322458