Students and staff meet the Victorian Premier

A small group of students and staff were privileged to meet the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan during her visit to the African Youth Initiative (AYI) in Melton last Friday, organised by Member for Melton Steve McGhie to highlight the positive outcomes this not-for-profit organisation is achieving in the local community.

Our students asked the Premier about her rise to becoming state leader and her thoughts on the issues facing young people in Melton. They were inspired by her responses and her appreciation for the obstacles they faced and the often negative portrayal of their suburb and community.

We are proud of our connection with the AYI. This youth-led not-for-profit organisation aims to empower African-Australian young people in Melbourne’s west through mentoring, sports, cultural and educational programs, some of which have been held at our Melton Campus along with lunchtime workshops tailored for our students.

Friday's visit was also an opportunity for our students and staff to view an excerpt from a documentary produced by AYI. 

Reclaimed Voices follows the story of young people and their families from Melton and their experiences of pain, loss, crime and hope. The film sheds light on the real stories behind youth crime in the South Sudanese-Australian community and aims to disrupt harmful mainstream media narratives.

Student reflections

Last Friday, students and staff were invited to meet Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at AYI with other program providers and members of the local community. 

We had the chance to ask her questions about why she came to Melton and why she entered politics. It was interesting to hear her discuss how life takes you to places, places you need to go. 

Mrs Allan talked about the great work of AYI and how they built their program in the local community from the ground up. She also spoke about having a support system and community to enable positive change among people. It was an amazing experience and the chance to meet some great people. Diana, 2025 College Captain

It was an honour to join our school leaders to meet the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. When I stood beside her, I couldn't help but be moved by how she came to be in this position. 

I asked her what motivated her to be a leader, and she told me all about how she was raised in this tiny town in Bendigo. She grew up in a close-knit community where she formed strong bonds and felt supported. Her town was, as she described, an extension of her family; people cared for one another. Such a deep connection to her community instilled in her the need for and importance of lending one's voice to others, to affect the world in a positive way. 

What the Premier had to say struck a deep chord in my soul. It showed how we can be strong as a community and reminded me that anyone from any background can do great things. Her journey is the perfect example. Poundak, Year 10

It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to meet with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, members of the African Youth Initiative and Member for Melton, Steve McGhie. 

We asked the Premier about herself, what motivates her and why she entered politics. We also talked to her about her plans and how important she believes the African Youth Initiative is. We all watched a short clip of AYI’s documentary Reclaimed Voices, which focused on a man’s experience with crime and trouble when he was young and how he now, as an adult, seeks redemption for his actions. 

Ms Allan said she believed having a support system within the community to bring the best out in people was so important and commended AYI for the work they had already done.It was a fantastic experience meeting many people with such wonderful ideas, and it was a delight to be there and represent our College. Jonah, 2025 College Captain