Narrogin students hospitality skills impress children’s Commissioner

The hospitality and culinary skills of local students were on display when the Commissioner for Children and Young People Colin Pettit visited Narrogin District High School last week.

Mr Pettit met with staff and students at the school as part of his two-day visit to three Wheatbelt communities, and was honoured to have lunch prepared and served by students from the school’s Trade Training Centre.

“What impressed me was the students’ pride and the skill and knowledge they demonstrated from their hospitality studies; the lunch was worthy of any high profile restaurant in Perth!” Mr Pettit said.

“The training centre is one example of the impressive work being undertaken by the school to provide a strong foundation for young people’s lifelong education and wellbeing.

“The students themselves told me they like the support of teachers and the variety of programs the school provides, and this helps to overcome some of the challenges of studying and growing up in a regional town.

“The school has identified that the transition to further education, training or employment after Year 12 is a gap that too many young people find difficult to manage.”

Mr Pettit said, as in most WA communities, there were a small number of local young people who are not always safe at home and were often on the street at night.

“In my meetings with local service providers, it was explained that the lack of a safe place for these young people puts them at significant risk, and an after-hours youth facility was urgently required.

“Young people told me they love their community and the sport opportunities provided, but they seek a greater variety of activities, such as music, movies and other ways to socialise.

“Keeping all young people, but especially those who are vulnerable, safe and engaged in their community is vitally important and I am pleased to see discussions continuing in the Narrogin community about how this can happen.

“I appreciate the time of all those that I met in Narrogin and other towns, especially the children and young people from the schools I visited.”

This two-day visit included Narrogin, Pingelly and York, and is part of a regional visit schedule undertaken by the Commissioner to hear firsthand how local children and young people are faring and the challenges they face.

The Commissioner will soon release a report on this regional visit, which will be available at www.ccyp.wa.gov.au