Magic Moments program nurtures the future leaders of Donnybrook

Emily Fernley and Tim Mountford, both of Grace Christian School in Bunbury, and Donnybrook District High School student Skye Dalton attended the Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit in July as first-year participants.

The five-day national youth leadership program in Sydney is designed for 13 to 18 year olds to create the opportunity for young people to set their own standards for their futures.

At the summit, the Magic Moments Foundation aimed to support young people to step into greatness by teaching and sharing skills that are not taught in school but are necessary for day-to-day life as a teenager and an adult.

Donnybrook Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank contributed $6000 to send the trio on the journey – $2000 each to cover camp and flights.

Emily, 17, said she attended the summit to develop her communication skills.

"In terms of developing our own community back home, they showed us that we have a role in society, even at such a young age,” she said.

"You can be successful even when you're young, [there’s] no age limit."

Emily wants to run a not-for-profit organisation when she finishes school.

"I think it'll be better going in the second time.

"They really encouraged us to start things while we're at this age."

Despite not knowing what to expect of the program, 16-year-old Tim was pleased with the outcome.

"[I went] just to expand my leadership knowledge and people skills to become more comfortable around people I don't know,” Tim said.

"I’m thinking about going into electrical, it's pretty good place to start a small business."

Learning about the financial side of adult life was beneficial for Tim.

Skye said the journey helped her to improve on her business and leadership skills.

"They made us get up in front of everyone and talk," she said.

At 14, Skye already has a goal in mind to become a chiropractor or physiotherapist.

Bernadette McInnes, Bendigo Bank Donnybrook branch manager, said she was impressed that the trio had an idea of what they want to do from a young age.

Six locals put their name in for the sponsorship; the selectors had never met the applicants.

"What we would like to do is put on a fundraising program for them next year,” Bernadette said.

It was an ideal opportunity for them to gain vital leadership skills, she said.