SIR CHARLES COURT
YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM
April 2016
Vision, Leadership and Community Service
Annual Report
“I loved this opportunity and will forever remember this great experience. I am so grateful for the
lessons I've learnt and the skills I've gained and I am inspired to be a great leader”
(Young Leader 2016)
Sir Charles Court Leadership Program 2016
Executive Summary
The Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program (SCCYLP) was established at Curtin University in 1999. It is
highly regarded in West Australian high schools as a unique and prestigious leadership program. The program
is based on the shared ideals of Sir Charles Court and former Prime Minister John Curtin: Vision, Leadership
and Community Service. In 2014 the program was revised to align with Curtin University’s Student Leadership
Development Strategy. The program provides the opportunity for 30 students (maximum two nominations per
school) per year. Entry is highly competitive, with 158 applications from all over the state (from Esperance to
Northam) received for the 2016 program.
The 30 selected students were chosen based on their leadership potential and involvement in their community.
They attended an intensive and exciting four day leadership camp at Point Walter Recreation Centre. Students
were exposed to a number of challenging activities aimed at developing their leadership skills and building
confidence in their own abilities through self-awareness, goal setting, teamwork, problem solving, and
awareness of global and local issues and how these impact society. They heard from inspirational speakers,
formed lasting friendships and had a lot of fun. The program is cost-free to each student selected, with all
meals, accommodation and program activities included and culminates in a Graduation Ceremony at Curtin
University.
Genevieve Hodge, Program Coordinator of the SCCYLP and Curtin Leadership Centre staff, collaborated to
provide the students with structured development opportunities, and five mentors assisted in supporting and
mentoring the students through the four day- leadership camp.
“It has ultimately changed my life forever. You never fully understand other people’s experiences
until you actually live them, and this has been an experience I will never forget.”
(Young Leader 2016)
Highlights 2016
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Students rated the program 5/5 = 100%
The Curtin Leadership Centre facilitated all workshops.
7 x SCCYLP alumni received the Sir Charles Court Leadership Award. This year, Curtin University
launched the $3000 ‘Sir Charles Court Leadership Award’. The award is intended to celebrate the
achievements of our SCCYLP alumni, and encourage them to continue their leadership development
with Curtin University in order to make tomorrow better.
Jessica Smith, Young Australian of the Year State Finalist 2015 and recipient of the Pride of
Australia Medal, was the Key note speaker at the Graduation Ceremony
SCCYLP Alumni Mitchell Bruce received the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship and the Sir
Charles Court Leadership Award
Richard Court, Son of Sir Charles Court gave each of the participants a signed copy of his Father’s
autobiography
Students feedback included:
o “It was incredible and I can take away so many elements of the program. I don’t think I will
ever experience something as amazing as this”
o “Most amazing time, so enriching, informative and interesting. I learnt so much and made the
most amazing friends and met the most amazing people”
o “It was a fun interaction with like-minded enthusiastic people, which helped me gain courage
and hope”
o “The SCCYLP is the greatest educative experience of my life. I learnt heaps and met heaps
of like-minded people. I would recommend it to everyone”
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SCCYLP Graduate Profile: Holly Ransom (2005)
Holly Ransom was a SCCYLP participant in 2005, and has excelled in many areas
since her experience. Holly has won numerous awards such as the West
Australian of the Year Youth Award in 2012 and in 2013 was a finalist for Young
Australian of the Year. In 2013 Holly was appointed by the Prime Minister to Chair
the G20 Youth Summit where she was responsible for the overall delivery of the
summit along with managing numerous domestic and international stakeholders.
At the Summit Holy met with global leaders like Barack Obama and UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon.
From 2011 to 2014 Holly was a coach and presenter at the LEAP Foundation which is a week-long
leadership program held in Los Angeles with students from all over the world. As well as holding positions
on numerous boards such as The Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation and the United Nations
Foundation, Holly is now the CEO of Emergent Solutions which is an organisation that enables change and
development between intergenerational cultures.
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Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program 2016
Student Selection
Leadership development is the primary focus of the program which investigates the essential qualities of
effective leadership. The participants are encouraged to become self-aware, to discover their leadership
potential and to leave the program with renewed confidence and willingness to take on leadership roles in
their communities. The program was inaugurated in 1999 with 30 students participating. With 18 programs
completed we are proud to see 503 young people making a difference in their schools, universities and
workplaces in Australia and overseas, linked forever by their shared experience of the SCCYLP.
The criteria for selection include leadership potential, and extensive involvement and commitment to
community. Schools are able to nominate a maximum of two students meeting these criteria. Selection of
participants is based on the student’s answers to the following questions in the online application form.
Selection Criteria:
1. Community Involvement and Leadership
 Does the student have any leadership experience within school or community? Did they
outline the tasks, and the leadership skills developed?
 Does the student clearly outline a change they want to see? And did they explain how they
would go about effecting that change?
 Did the student pick a leader they are inspired by? Did they give solid reasons why the leader
inspires them?
2. Studies
 Did the student choose and clearly describe a topic that interests them at school? Did they
provide details such as historical facts, and provide a well-formulated opinion?
3. Other Interests
 Does the student have a wide variety of extra-curricular interests including competitions
entered and projects they have been involved in?
4. Personal Statement
 Did the student articulate clearly the reasons why they would like to participate in the program
and explain what they would hope to gain from involvement in SCCYLP?
 Did the student provide examples/details of how they would be able to add to the program
and explain how they would pass the benefits of the leadership experience on to others in
their school or community?
5. Ambition
 Did the student outline their future career plan? Did it include going to University?
6. Teacher Comments:
 Outlined how the student has an interest or ability in leadership
 Explained how the student participates, gets involved and expresses opinions in class
 Outlines if the student works well in groups, working collaboratively.
 Explains if the student communicates effectively with his/her peers, and is willing to share
ideas
Selected students were chosen for involvement in an impressive range of activities and service and many
were the recipients of awards and recognition for academic, sporting, debating and / or musical talent. All
were involved in service to their communities within or outside of school whether as school councillors,
mentors, sports captains, church leaders, scout cadets, activities or fundraisers for charity. The selection
process brings together a group of exceptionally talented young people who commit to the programs goals
and gain considerably from the shared experience.
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Mentors
The team of 5 volunteer Mentors is critical to the success of the program. We aim to have both SCCYLP
alumni and Curtin University students if possible. They meet in the months leading up to the program to be
trained and prepare for the camp. The Mentors work as a cohesive team, and are responsible for a group of
6 Young leaders. They ensure that each student in their group feels welcome and gains maximum benefit
from the program. They attend all sessions and discuss these in their tutorials every evening.
There were five Mentors for this year’s program:
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Jenny Dutosme (SCCYLP 2013)
Mitch Bruce (SCCYLP 2013)
Lucy Tillotson (SCCYLP 2010)
Ashleigh Kotula (SCCYLP 2010)
Nicole Nevill (SCCYLP 2010)
Student Feedback
“They were all so great and such good role models”
“The mentors were fantastic, they were what made this camp. So helpful and encouraging”
“They were great leaders. They did a really good job organising and making it happen efficiently,
love them all!”
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Developing the Program
Each year, the program is reviewed rigorously and students must complete an evaluation pre-and postprogram. The aim is to build upon the successes of previous programs through refinement and improvement
in order to deliver an outstanding program experience to the participants.
The SCCYLP Management committee involved Chairman Dr Gary Hepworth (Associate Director Community
Life, Curtin University), who oversees the strategic direction of the program. Genevieve Hodge, Program
Coordinator of SCCYLP oversees the management of the program (Program Coordinator in the Curtin
Leadership Centre), and Curtin Leadership Centre Staff, Kristen Barker and Hayley Davis helped facilitate
activities.
Program Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Develop an understanding of self: values, beliefs, learning styles, dreams and goals
Learn how to access positive emotional states and act in the difficult situations
Recognise leadership styles and attributes and how they apply in different situations
Understand elements of teamwork. Explore leading and participating as a team member
Collaborate in problem solving activities
Build confidence by pushing boundaries and facing challenges
Develop an awareness of global and local issues: fair trade, refugees and asylum seekers and how
these impact society
8. Discover the benefits of exercise and stretching on physical health through recreation and active
games
9. Build support networks in tutorial groups and discover the importance of debriefing
Student Feedback:
o
“The social classes in society are severely divided and it’s our job as the privileged ones to
break down barriers and make everything fair. All cultures need to be respected.”
o
“Everyone is equal and deserves a voice”
o
“Someone has to initiate the change, so why shouldn't it be me? Sometimes you have to lead
from the background or just encourage others”
o
“There is a difference in the way we perceive cultures based on what we value and stand for.
People who have it all are often more oblivious to the struggles of others”
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Media stories
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Sir Charles Court Leadership Award Media
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Alumni
Sir Charles Court Leadership Award Recipient Lunch
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A lunch was held at Curtin University to welcome the first award recipients
Curtin Leadership Centre staff attended and spoke with students about further opportunities
at Curtin in the community service and leadership fields.
2016 Award Recipient Names:
 Daniel Brown
 Mitchel Bruce
 Renee Correya
 Jenny Dutosme
 Alexander Ishida-Livings
 Isabella Sullivan
 Alexander Wolman
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Appendices: Selected Students 2016
Sir Charles Court Young Leaders 2016
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Sophie Rose
Riley George
Maddison Elizabeth
Paige Keeley
Mikayla Grace
Addison
Martha Honor
Vinodaarshini
Rohan
Rp
Matthew Nicholas
Maya
Christopher
Lily
Amy Anne
Louis
Elizabeth Grace
Mohammed Farhan
Saskia Syrah
Anneka
Shelby
Skyla Jane
Kate Charlotte
Alexandra Lan
Anna
Ira Lene
Kayla Belle
Caleb Clancy
Rupert Long Hui
Himal Raj
Naumovski
Klug
Ayton
Johnston
Compton
Ogg
Dodge
Vigneswaran
McNulty
van der
Knight
Westhuizen
Matty
Huynh
Hannington
Carruthers
Page
Arthur
Anwar
Thomas
Alam
Pannell
Pengilly
Inglis-Hodge
Truong
Schneider
Sanchez
Roulston
McKenna
Kang
Pandey
Chisholm Catholic College
Christ Church Grammar School
Comet Bay College
Esperance Senior High School
Frederick Irwin Anglican School
John Curtin College of the Arts
John Wollaston Anglican Community
Kent
Street Senior High School
School
Kolbe Catholic College
Mandurah Baptist College
Mazenod College
Mercedes College
Mercy College
Methodist Ladies' College
Mount Lawley Senior High School
Northam Senior High School
Penrhos College
Perth Modern School
Presbyterian Ladies' College
Rossmoyne Senior High School
Sacred Heart College
Santa Maria. College
Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar
Shenton
School College
St Brigids College
St Norbert College
Warnbro Community High School
Warwick Senior High School
Wesley College
Willetton Senior High School
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Appendices: Student feedback
I am now
motivated to
further develop
my skills as a
leader in the
community
98%
I have improved
my
understanding of
the skills
required to be a
good leader
97%
I have improved
my awareness
and
understanding of
issues relating to
different cultures
90%
I would recommend
the SCCYLP to
others who aspire
How would you
to become leaders
rate the SCCYLP
in the community
overall?
99%
100%
What aspects of the program did you enjoy most?
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“I enjoyed the activities with critical thinking and public speaking like debate and root causes. They
were provoking and give me a cause to be passionate about.”
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“I loved the people, they were all amazing, supportive and accepting. The activities were so fun and
really promoted team work in an enjoyable manner.”
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“Being able to meet new people who had the same passions as me and being able to develop my
leadership skills further.”
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“All of the social change, cultural understanding and political based activities that taught skills about
leadership.”
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“Learning, exploring and observing different leadership styles.”
How would you summarise your experience as a participant in the SCCYLP?
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“Life changing.”
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“I loved this opportunity and will forever remember this great experience. I am so grateful for the
lessons I've learnt and the skills I've gained and I am inspired to be a great leader.”
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“It was absolutely amazing and I cherished every single minute. I made friends with such great
people. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”
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“It was incredible and I can take away so many elements of the program. I don’t think I will ever
experience something as amazing as this.”
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“It has ultimately changed my life forever. You never fully understand other people’s experiences
until you actually live them, and this has been an experience I will never forget.”
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Appendices – Student Newsletters and articles
Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program, By Riley Klug, Christ Church Grammar School
The Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program is a leadership course for 30 students selected across the
state. It is an engaging four-day camp with many rewarding activities and cause for great experiences that I
will remember as some of the best of my life. As a participant in this great program I learnt a great amount
about how to apply leadership in many situations, effect positive change in the community and most of all I
started a rewarding network with talented, caring and like-minded young leaders like myself.
The camp was interspersed with real life activities designed to show us how we as young leaders can effect
positive change on the community after first understanding our community. These included a debate style
activity where different groups represented the stakeholders, media, policy advisors and government in a
typical parliamentary conflict. This showed all participants how to apply leadership and teamwork skills in a
realistic, intellectually challenging environment. I personally acted as the Prime Minister and my group as the
government had to rule on the case and I felt that my leadership skills and communication skills were greatly
improved as a result. Another example was a challenge where all participants were put in a simulated version
of current society’s social classes. This activity was perhaps the most haunting for me as it reminded myself
not to take the privileges I have for granted and most importantly it instigated a need to create positive, social
change in our society for those less fortunate than me.
Other activities and highlights on camp include seemingly standard ones like the high ropes course, rafting or
the terrifying leap of faith yet as the whole group found; they were actually additional ways for us to practise
and apply what we learnt about leadership, mentoring and team work skills. These skills were taught in
interactive seminars and activities where we witnessed and learned about different styles of leadership, how
to be an effective peer coach and how to set goals and be a successful individual. And while they seemed
slightly academic at the time they were the theory behind the practical nature of leadership, which all 30 of us
put into practise at several stages throughout the camp. So they were very helpful and those lessons still help
me in my various activities and sports today and for the rest of my life.
Finally, one of the main rewards of this program was meeting 29 other like-minded, successful leaders of my
age. I have kept in touch with most of them so far and will definitely continue to in the near future. Overall, the
camp is designed to teach and foster leadership skills in young leaders so that they can go and create positive
change in the school, local, country or global level. I went into the camp with no real expectations and came
out with improved skills in leadership that I can use for the rest of my life, a greater knowledge about how to
apply these skills in different cultures and situations and a real desire to lead and effect change in everything
and everyone I interact with. One of the guest speakers we had was the youngest political councillor in the
history of Western Australia and his story as an already accomplished leader at age 19 made me and 29 other
students want to go and do what he did: make a real, long lasting positive difference in our respective
communities and schools and also to realise that we are the next generation. It is our responsibility to put
ourselves out there and make that difference as we will be the leaders of this generation and so we need to
make this world an amazing place to live in.
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Martha Dodge, John Wollaston Anglican Community School
Maya Matty, Mercedes College
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Catalyst for Change Speech, Ira Sanchez, St Norbert College
This world is a complicated mix of people and values. It is a melting pot of different societies with different methods of
dealing with topics such as race, gender or body image, and even daily society. In many countries, the ‘pot’ has boiled
over and the result has been ruin. On the 19th of April, I had the fantastic opportunity to be chosen as one of 30 students
around Western Australia, to attend the Sir Charles Court Young Leadership Program. We often discussed or completed
activities that highlighted social issues. One such activity was the ‘ice cream’ game. I know, you would’ve expected ice
cream to be involved but in the game, we were basically divided into three groups. The elite few, the general people, and
the ‘rejects’ or the bottom-feeders. It demonstrated how the social hierarchy in today’s society affects people’s judgments
of others, especially those on the bottom. This ‘game’ stayed in the minds of people and our discussions afterwards
broadened into other areas such as racism and bullying, and how it all stems from people’s differing beliefs and ideals.
We are not perfect people and there’s always something to be improved and I think that anybody can become a catalyst
for change. There are three things that come into play in order to become a catalyst: motivation, conversation and
inspiration. First, you need to be motivated. Change doesn’t just happen, you need to work on it again and again and be
persistent. There will be set backs and roadblocks to your goal but you need to learn to stand back up and continue on
your path and not lose motivation. You may have hundreds of ideas on how to change these social issues, but if you
don’t have the impulse and the commitment to put those ideas into action, you will never be able to change the world for
the better. Nelson Mandela spent over 20 years in jail for his opposition to the racist apartheid system, which excluded
blacks from many areas of society. Now that’s a major roadblock, but still he continued with his work as an anti-apartheid
leader, and eventually became the first black President of South Africa. He is remembered for saying, “I really wanted to
retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife. But the problems
are such that for anybody with a conscience who can use whatever influence he may have, to try to bring about peace,
it’s difficult to say no.”
Secondly, you need to start a conversation. How can you change the world when people aren’t even aware, or refuse to
acknowledge the problem? Nobody is perfect and everybody is bound to make mistakes but we need to learn to control
what we say and spread awareness to educate the masses. Today, social media is such an integral part of society, but
its effect is both good and bad. It gives anonymity, which allows anyone to just say anything. Unfortunately, most people
use this as a way to put down others, to critique them and to shame them. Media allows people to speak negatively about
other groups of people or individuals with the assurance that they will never be reprimanded when they do so and in
most cases, recipients have no means of defence or reply. But it can also be used for the good. I was lucky enough to
hear previous Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, turned body activist, speak about her first campaign for positive body
image and how it was something as simple as getting people to post pictures of themselves, holding up a ‘Join the
Revolution’ sign. You don’t need to start a campaign to be a catalyst. Pointing out racism or bullying in the schoolyard or
including people who are different in your group, instead of ostracizing or isolating them are simple steps. Another
important point is that people need to think about what they say both online and in person. Comments like ‘that’s gay’ or
‘you’re so fat’ can actually affect somebody’s perception of himself or herself and may cause them to react in a negative
way.
Finally. Inspiration. One person alone cannot make significant reforms and changes, which have been established in the
past and reinforced for millenniums through actions and words. Often in newspapers, books and in the media, society
honours one person- someone who started a movement and worked to change something in society. And yes, they were
and are important, but for their visions to have been successful, significant numbers of people were there to support
them, to rally behind them and to speak out against their oppressors. People like Martin Luther King and Mahatma
Gandhi, have become such important figures for equality and peace between peoples, and even today, they still inspire
people of different races, beliefs or ideas. For change to occur, being an example to others is the first major step. Inspiring
others is the easiest way for the differences that kept people apart to be overcome. Instead, those individual strengths
and ideas that everyone has can be pooled together effectively to make a change for a better society, and in turn a better
country, and a better world.
To be able to change something, it needs to become personal. To be able to do something, there needs to be sacrifices.
Now all these people I’ve been talking about sound so special and amazing but in hindsight, they’re really not. We all
have something in common with them. They were normal people. People like you and I, people who have problems and
joys. People who were children, siblings, friends or parents. The only reason why we put them on a pedestal is because
they were unsatisfied with the way they lived, and the way others similar to them lived, and did something about it, which
to this day still continues to resonate.
My journey to become a catalyst for change began through the leadership camp and this conviction was strengthened
through the people I talked to and the activities that I participated in. The world is a big, messy place filled with different
types of people and conflicts will arise, but it is up to us, to improve the future. You have the power to make change
possible and it lies with your passion and determination to create a lasting peace, and I think the first steps are through
motivation, conversation, and inspiration. Mother Teresa ‘hit the nail on the head’ by saying, “I can do things you cannot,
you can do things I cannot. Together, we can do great things.” Victory is a consequence of unity.
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Rupert Kang, Wesley College
Earlier this year, I was selected to participate in the Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program (SCCYLP) during
the April school holidays, along with 29 other Year 10 students from around Western Australia. Program participants
included 11 boys, 19 girls and five mentors, all of whom study at Curtin University and are SCCYLP alumni. Curtin
University received approximately 160 applications for the program, and each school was allowed to nominate just
two students.
The Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program was held at Point Walter Recreation Centre. As we drove through
the gates of the camp, I was quite nervous, unsure how the camp was going to be run and how I was going to make
friends with people I had never met before. We were not provided with much information prior to the program’s
start, and the thought of spending four days with 29 other students from schools ranging from the metropolitan
region, Northam, Mandurah and Esperance was quite discomforting.
We started the program with some name games and ice breakers. Over the four-day program, we participated in
several indoor and outdoor activities that taught and tested our leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
We learnt many lifelong skills such as adapting to different leadership styles, developing action plans for many of
the issues in modern society and motivating us to implement ’10 seconds of courage’ in our lives and to help
enhance the wider community. This was done through several tutorials from Curtin Leadership Centre as well as
developing games to experience and use these skills. Several guest speakers, many of whom were alumni of the
program, (including the youngest councilor in Western Australia) came to share their past experiences, making us
realise it is never too early to make a mark on the world.
Throughout the course of the camp, the cohort of students from around Western Australia were given the
opportunity to challenge ourselves, to put what we had learnt into practice while simply having fun and sharing
laughs amongst one another. We participated in several outdoor activities including Leap of Faith where we had to
jump off a 10-metre-high pole and try to hang onto a trapeze (obviously on a harness!), high ropes course, rafting,
tower of crates and finally an ‘Amazing Race’ where I had to eat one-third of a watermelon at our first stop! For
some, it was a challenge to overcome a fear of heights in several of the high ropes activities, but with everyone’s
support and encouragement, we all had a go at each activity.
A major highlight for me was the way group of students bonded. Upon arrival, the boys started talking amongst
themselves, while the girls did the same in another corner. By that evening, everyone was either socialising together
or enjoying a round of ping pong. The next morning, almost all 30 of us were playing beach volleyball together on
one court. At the beginning of this camp, we were promised an experience that would change our lives and it
certainly did. The camp focused on a vision to strengthen our leadership quality and make us determined to make
a mark on the world, opening our eyes to the conflicts in our society by participating in activities that explored big
issues and how we can make a change.
Thank you to Mr Mike Filer and Ms Lynette McGivern for giving me the chance to nominate for the Sir Charles
Court Young Leaders Program. I truly enjoyed this experience and would strongly recommend as many Year 9
students as possible to nominate and take this opportunity next year. You won’t believe the friendships you make,
the knowledge you learn and the leadership and life skills that will stay with you forever until you do it. I am very
grateful for the opportunity to represent Wesley College at this event and have taken much knowledge and skills
from this experience. It has only been four weeks since the camp, but I still am currently in touch with almost all the
other students and some mentors, too. I started this program with a group of Year 10 students who I had never met
before and walked out with 29 of the best friends I have ever made! I can’t wait to change the world with them!
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Appendices
Speakers at Camp
Dave Humphries
Dave is an alumni of the SCCYLP program from 2000, and was a camp Mentor for 9 years. He currently
works as the Sales and Marketing Manager at Perth Arena, and studying Bachelor of Laws at Curtin
University. He is a John Curtin Undergraduate Scholar, Curtin University's most generous and prestigious
scholarship program. Students selected as John Curtin Undergraduate Scholars have excelled in a wide
range of endeavours and have lent their talents and energies to the community around them. The John
Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship (JCUS) was developed by Curtin University to encourage and support
academically gifted students who display John Curtin's qualities of vision, leadership and community
service. At camp he spoke about the importance of connections and the power of relationships. He urged
the students to take every opportunity they can get.
Sebastian Schiono
Capel Shire Council's newest Councillor and the State's youngest at just 18 years old (elected in October
2015). He has a clear vision; to empower our community's youth, build stronger families and strengthen our
community. He believes when we create healthier and empowered youth we do exactly this, that's why the
quality of our young people affects all ages. For the past 3 years he has been President of the Shire of
Capel Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which has bought youth activities like YACoustic 2015, and
empowered, trained and educated young people. He also represented Capel in the WA Youth Parliament. It
is when we empower young people in our community we deter anti-social behaviour and mental health
issues; promoting a better healthier generation of young people for our future; this impacts all generations.
He was nominated as a Finalist for this years’ Western Australian Young Achiever Award.
Graduation Ceremony Speakers
Jessica Smith - Key Note
There have been many stories written about Jessica Smith; it is that of a child born without a left arm, a
teenager who went on to represent Australia for swimming in the 2004 Paralympic Games, and a young adult
who broke free from an eating disorder. But perhaps the most important story there is to tell when it comes to
Jessica is that of the inspiring woman she is today; an internationally recognised advocate for positive body
image, a loving wife & mother, and an author & storyteller. Jessica is a highly sought after motivational public
speaker and is an ambassador for Layne Beachley’s Aim for the Stars Foundation. She was recently awarded
'Emerging Leader' by the Australian Government at the Positive Body Image Awards and was recently
awarded a 'Pride of Australia Medal' in Western Australia. In 2015, Jessica was also a state finalist for 'Young
Australian of the Year'. With all these accolades aside, Jessica's most proud life moment is recently becoming
a mother for the first time. This new path to motherhood inspired Jessica to create a series of books that
celebrates children's differences, and encourages self-confidence, no matter their physical appearance.
Adam Kovalevs, SCCYLP Alumni
Adam Kovalevs graduated from the Sir Charles Court Young Leaders Program in 2010. He has always been
interested in leadership that is based in the service of others and went on to volunteer as a peer tutor for the
Sir Charles Court Young Leaders program and as the Senior Operations Coordinator for the Western
Australian YMCA Youth Parliament. Adam has won numerous public speaking competitions and
represented WA in national finals. He continues his involvement in this area by adjudicating and hosting
competitions. In 2015 he was one of the co-chairs of the Western Australian Your State, Your Voice forum
as well as Western Australia’s delegate for the 2015 Youth Parliament National Conference. Adam has just
completed his third year of a double degree in psychology and commerce at Curtin University. In 2015 he
was elected as a Councillor to represent the Ballajura Ward in the City of Swan. At the age of 20 he is
currently the youngest Councillor in the City of Swan’s history. He is the Chair of the Swan Road-wise
Committee as well as the Eastern Suburb Junior Cricket Council.
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