Bathurst Leo Club introducing local youth to community-centric initiatives

The Bathurst Leo Club has been steadily gaining traction since June with a view for members to develop leadership qualities and learn about the importance of community outreach in strengthening the sociocultural aesthetic of towns and cities.

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Under the close guidance of the Bathurst Lions Club, the club has already dedicated volunteer hours to the monthly Farmers' Market, as well as various other Lions-based activities, though the COVID-19 lockdown stalled plans somewhat.

Bathurst Leo Club member Cedric Peniata said it's enjoyable to work together with other young people to assist the local community.

"Not many towns have a dedicated group of young people committed to giving back to the local community, so it's an absolute pleasure to be part of it," Cedric said.

"We're very fortunate to have members of the Bathurst Lions Club mentoring us along the way, as their understanding of citizenship and volunteering is invaluable to us as emerging citizens."

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Bathurst Lions Club president Mal Purves said their main goal is to mentor members of the Leo Club to the point where they're able to stage youth-centric events on their own.

"It's one thing to come and help us run our regular events and initiatives, but we want to empower the Leo Club to engage with their peers via events centred around youth participation," Mr Purves said.

"We understand a lot of these young people will reach a point in their lives where they'll have to move for work or university, but we're giving them a foundation to develop sound leadership and citizenship skills to aid in their personal development."

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With COVID stalling much of the Leo Club's operations for 2021, Mr Purves said there will be a concerted effort to develop the club further in 2022.

"We already have a little over 10 members involved with the Leo Club, and we hope to raise the profile of the club further into the new year, where it's hoped community events will return to a more familiar routine," he said.

"There's also the ulterior motive of generating youth interest in Lions Club activities, as we're not getting any younger after all."

For more information, visit the Bathurst Leo Club Facebook page.

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