As conference’s go, the Best Buddies Australia Leadership Conference was the must see, must participate in event of 2011. This year we had 50 students representing 9 schools as well as 25 volunteers all meeting to talk about leadership, the power of our everyday and the development of real change for young people who have an intellectual disability.
In keeping with previous transport arrangements, Best Buddies Participants travelled in style, stretch Hummers and Cryslers, and arrived at Parramatta Leagues Club fresh faced and bushy tailed.
The day was opened slightly differently with a showing of the movie Lost & Found (Oliver Jeffers, Studio AKA). The story of a boy and his friend, it set the tone and theme for the day.
Elka Whalan (nee Graham) brought her own special energy to the day and provided a little insight into the passion and drive needed to succeed at an Olympic Level. Many thanks to Elka, and we hope to have you along to many more Best Buddies events.
The first workshops of the day were provided ay a small army of committed and passionate volunteers. These included; Elka Whalan, Adrian Vallino (BNY Mellon), Naomi Simson (CEO Redballoon), James Kell (Kell & Rigby), Leisl Tesch (Para Olympian), Miguel Lane-Mullins (Northcott), Judi Marquardt (US Consul Generals Partner) Ben Grubb (SMH), Linda Smith (DET), Jan Marshal (DET), Anna Hutchins (Gloria Jeans), Mike Bartels and Andrew Buchanan. Many thanks for your help.
We covered topics ranging from how to give a speech, to social media and the development of great events.
Lunch again this year was a little different with a special guest panel of leaders including Kerry Stubbs (CEO Northcott), Neil Marquardt (USA Consul General, Michael Wormleaton (BBA) and Leisl Tesch (Australian Wheelchair Basketball Captain). Wow what a power line up. Hosted by Andrew Buchanan this was a great way to draw out peoples experience and beliefs in a short time.
The afternoon yielded great outcomes relating to how we promote BBA and Social Inclusion as well as guidance on how we support a Student Rep Council for BBA. Lead by Executive Director Mark Trevaskis, this was a quick fire session that will make a huge impact on how BBA works into the future.
Finally , as if everything else was not enough, we launched Best Buddies Pair of the Year 2011, awarded each school with their accreditation, thanked everyone then sent them home.
Thanks to everyone…..
P.S. We have already started plans for next year’s event, and it’s going to be really different.
Mark Trevaskis ED.
