One hundred and twenty of Queensland’s brightest youth gathered at Bond University on March 5 and 6 for a Leadership Weekend, as part of being a recipient of a 2011 RSL Youth Development Program grant.
More than $500,000 worth of grants were awarded for academic, community and sporting achievements to 180 Queensland students in December last year.
Students received grants of between $2,500 and $5,000 to help them achieve their goals in their respective fields. The Leadership Weekend on the Gold Coast provided them with an opportunity to meet and socialise with other grant winners, and participate in talks held by RSL (Queensland Branch) CEO, Chris McHugh CSC, Major General Michael Slater DSC, AM, CSC, and Michael Lyddiard.
Kicking off on Saturday night, students and parents gathered in the Princeton Ballroom to have a bite to eat, a celebratory soft drink (for those under 18), and to enjoy their well deserved triumph.
Mr McHugh opened the night by congratulating the youths on their success as grant winners, and the process that saw them be selected from over 500 students across Queensland.
Each of the winners received a plaque and certificate as a symbol of their achievement, as they move forward to succeed in their chosen fields.
The following day, talks led by Major General Slater, and Michael Lyddiard were received positively from all members in the audience.
Keeping in line with the theme of being a youth leader, these two speakers spoke to the youth about what it meant to be a great leader and planning for a successful future.
Major General Slater closed by asking students what sort of contribution they wanted to make to society.
“Imagine being at your own funeral, watching what everyone was doing and saying. What would you want them to say about you?” he asked.
Guest speaker, Michael Lyddiard, also made an impact on the entire audience.
Michael was injured in 2007 while making an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) unit safe.
He lost his right eye; one arm was amputated below the elbow, and a thumb and two fingers on his other hand.
Michael also now suffers from poor vision in his remaining eye.
While speaking, he kept encouraging all the youth in the theatre present, to think about their core, and what made them who they were.
Michael spoke to all present about the physical, psychological and mental challenges he experienced after being severely injured, and the strength needed to return to a normal life, and to not only live with, but overcome these challenges.
“Battle for life, life is heart,” he told the crowd.
RSL Youth Development Program grant applications open on April 25 and close on November 11. For more information about applying for one of these grants please visit www.RSLyouth.com.au