The Year 6 students have once again been able to participate in a initiative created by the Busselton Shire Council, which seeks to engage students in the process of Local Government.

On Friday, an excursion to the Busselton Shire Council Offices was undertaken. Students were provided with a number of opportunities for education, as well as practical engagement in the various areas governed by the local council.

Council staff walked the group through a number of topics, such as:  Councillor roles & responsibilities; maintenance & construction; waste management; libraries; occupational health and safety; animal control; parking; and town planning .  Students were then able to test their budding Councillor skills by participating in a mock council meeting.   This is an initiative that commenced with Cornerstone last year, and of which, according to the Shire’s Public Relations Officer, Meredith Dixon, still one not utilised by many schools.  ‘Cornerstone is our most frequent customer’, she said.

Participating ”Cornerstone Councillors” spoke over an issue and then voted on the application.

The benefits to the students were quite varied. Mr Dixon’s class came away with new knowledge – from having an understanding of the role of local government, through to seeing a number of career choices on offer. A terrific program, and special thanks must go the the Busselton Shire Council for their organisation of the event.