Stepping up … Victoria University student Muchima Costa was one of a dedicated class who hoped their showbags raise awareness of the Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine. 66001 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Kara Irving
FOR 18-year-old Sheridan Depasquale losing is not an option. Since the beginning of this year the Deer Park resident has been using her determination and leadership skills to raise awareness of youth-orientated Visy Cares Hubs in Sunshine.
Sheridan and her Victoria University classmates, including Courtney-Jayne Bailey, Michelle O’Sullivan, Emma Truong and Muchima Costa handed out promotional showbags at the Sunshine Marketplace last Thursday in a bid to promote the youth care services and facilities offered at the Hub.
“I’m surprised about how well received the program was with everyone,” Sheridan said.
“I think everyone was eager to work together and tell the public about such a good cause.”
Sheridan and her classmates were encouraged to contact businesses across the West to provide free incentives for the show bags as part of completing their Certificate II in General Education for Adults.
Food and games vouchers were among the items included in the showbag.
Supported by the Federal and State governments over 10 years, Youth Junction Inc established a services hub to meet the needs of young people in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. In 2004 Brimbank City Council purchased the Harvester Rd site in Sunshine to facilitate free youth services for people aged between 15 and 25 years old.
Having spent most of her free time at the centre, Sheridan hopes more young people will use the facilities available.
“I especially like the teachers at the centre,” she said.
“They are very unique, in a sense they don’t tell you what to do and don’t treat you like a young person. People at the hub know where you’re coming from and treat you like a real person.”
For now Sheridan’s hoping to pursue a career as a game programmer in the near future.
“I want to create all sorts of games, any game that is challenging,” she added.
“I just want to put a game together and say that it was my idea. As long as I can create games then I’ll be happy.”
