Connect9 participant Indy, is strapped into the glider ready for her flight over Benalla, while volunteer mentor, Sabine Smyth, stands behind with Indy’s family members.
Tomorrow Today’s Connect9 program is all about making connections and seeing the world from a new perspective. On Saturday 22 June, 13 program participants did just that, experiencing an incredible glider flight over Benalla, giving them the chance to see their hometown from the sky.
Alex Ross, Tomorrow Today’s Youth Engagement Coordinator shared her take on the day; “It was just incredible. The weather was perfect, and the Gliding Club (of Victoria) did an amazing job getting everyone up in the air – and safely down again.”
“I was especially impressed with a couple of our participants who arrived at the start of the day even though their flights weren’t until the end. They came early to support the other students.”
“I just love that they had the maturity to see that this might be a scary thing for some of the others but that with some cheerleaders on their side they could achieve anything.”
Connect9 matches local volunteer mentors with a Benalla student in Year 9. Every week they meet to participate in a range of activities either individually or as part of the whole group. The activities include volunteering and work-place visits to build aspiration, interspersed with lots of fun events like a huge lakeside Scavenger Hunt, robotics, a Masterchef night and evenings spent exploring new sports and hobbies. The program is designed to build aspiration and confidence, encourage healthy lifestyles and connect participants to their local community.
Connect9 mentor, Sabine Smyth shared what volunteering means to her; “It’s really rewarding to think that we live in a community where there’s enough mentors for each program. As a volunteer there’s the feeling that you’re doing something that’s so positive. You’re changing individuals’ lives. What I’ve learned from being a mentor us don’t despair. The new generation has got that way better sorted than you and I might have!”
Every year Benalla rises to the challenge of supporting the delivery of Connect9. Local businesses and organisations who contribute to the success of the program include Charles Sturt University, North East Archers, Benalla Scouts and Venturers, Room at the Table, Benalla Bowls Club, Living Here Benalla, Yoga Unity, Benalla and Euroa Bus Lines, Attention Media, Barkly Street Vets, Benalla Rotary, Benalla and District Darts Association, Benalla Golf Club and LG Boxing to name just a few.
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer, Jodie Fleming, thanked all those who assisted; “This program wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing goodwill of so many local people. From the volunteer mentors who engage so effectively with the students, to the businesses and organisations who share their time and expertise. It truly is a whole-of-community effort and we’re extremely grateful for that generosity.”