The signing of a formal agreement [MoU] between the Harden Shire Council and the Harden District Education Foundation [HDEF] will establish a local partnership to continue a strong commitment to the educational and future aspirations of the youth of the Harden Shire.
Pictured are Councillors Tony Campbell, John Horton, Neill Reid and Cathy Sanaderson, HDEF President Charlotte Middleton, Mayor Chris Manchester and HDEF committee member Lyn Douglass.
The HDEF has been in existence for twelve [12] years and has made a significant contribution to the educational needs and aspirations of the youth of this Shire. During that period the HDEF has provided more than 300 scholarships and grants to young people to help provide learning experiences which encourages educational opportunities and career pathways.
HDEF President Charlotte Middleton stated that “Children who would not be able to attend preschool have been assisted, while primary and secondary students in the learning community have also, with the generous support of the Kruger Trust, had access to reading and maths programs and students living in the Shire have had the opportunity to take part in an Outward Bound course – life experiences which assist in their future endeavours.
Many students have also been helped on their way to successful graduate careers by the HDEF and students are now giving back by supporting the HDEF in their fund raising efforts.
The Harden Shire Council also has a strong commitment to youth in this community. That approach was underpinned when Council introduced a programme of having at least 10% of its workforce targeted towards 4 year apprenticeships and 1 year traineeships. That programme started 5 [five] years ago and 17 plus young people have been through this programme to date. The current year intake under this programme is 6 young people placed across various sections of Council’s workforce.
Whilst the MoU proposes an annual contribution to the HDEF, other important resources that Council will bring to this agreement are assistance to procure corporate sponsorship funding and government grants, assist the HDEF in complying with all local, State and Federal legislative requirements, provide access to Council’s website as a promotional tool and other ongoing support by mutual agreement.
Mayor Chris Manchester stated that he is extremely pleased to be joining forces with the HDEF to further the community’s youth educational and employment opportunities as a whole of community approach. The Mayor further stated that Harden is a resilient and supportive community and strongly believes in supporting the needs of its young people in a meaningful way.
For more information contact Mayor Chris Manchester on 0412 606 385, or the President of the HDEF Charlotte Middleton on 0427 619 654.
