Geelong leadership award-winner Cate McNeil draws inspiration from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in how she deals with others.
The 12-year-old St Joseph’s cricket player and Newtown Primary School graduate this week won the Geelong Young Leader Award.
“[Ms Adern] has used empathy and listened to what her people were going through to decide how to move forward in the best way possible,” Cate said in her application for the award.
Cate volunteers on patrol at her local beach, completed a first aid course in 2019, was school captain at Newtown Primary and co-captains her cricket team.
“A thing that I did to inspire my own school community was out in the playground, where kids, no matter what age, would feel free to come up to me for advice in a certain situation,” she said.
“Sometimes, all they wanted was a listening ear and a supportive hand on their shoulder.
“I was there for everyone because for a team to work smoothly, everyone must feel appreciated and heard.
“I believe this inspires people because it makes everyone feel like they matter, and it makes them want to be able to do the same for others.”
Corio MP and deputy federal opposition leader Richard Marles presented the award to Cate on Monday.
“Cate is already leading in her community through sport and being first aid trained. She puts listening at the centre of her leadership,” he said.
Mr Marles congratulated award finalists Koby Olsen, Grace Holton and Mathilda Garrido for “thoughtful and caring” leadership and meeting challenges with “resilience and determination”.
