By XAVIER SMERDON
AS THE dust settles on the Federal election and the change of government, a Werribee student is preparing for her own election battle.
Wyndham Central Secondary College student, Danae Haynes, is taking part in The Other Election, a competition that calls on indigenous teenagers to write a speech as if they were the first indigenous Prime Minister of Australia.
The speeches are then voted on by members of the public and the final three candidates will deliver their heartfelt words in Canberra next month.
Danae has already made it into the top 10, earning herself a trip to Sydney to receive coaching and mentorship from the team at Google.
In her speech Danae said it was time for both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to come together.
“It’s time that we, as a united, harmonious country, can overcome the issues of yesterday and work with the children of tomorrow,” Danae said.
She said as an indigenous person herself, she was exposed to a lot of the stigma associated with the past.
Addie Walsh from the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) said she was surprised by Danae’s performance.
“It’s pretty incredible to see what these kids have achieved,” Ms Walsh said.
“They were only given two hours, some students an hour, to write and record their address to the nation and imagine what’s possible for this country.”
To vote for Danae visit www.theotherelection.com.au
