Vibrant, Inspiring, and Life-Changing: Cumberland DOOLEYS Max Potential 2024 Program Celebration
What happens when 20 young adults step out of their comfort zones and embrace leadership? They make a difference—both in their lives and their community!
On Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, the Regent St Pavilion came alive with energy, excitement, and bold creativity as we celebrated the conclusion of the Cumberland DOOLEYS Max Potential 2024 program. A room filled with vibrant colours and buzzing enthusiasm, over 60 guests—including Councillors from Cumberland City Council, DOOLEYS staff and Board members, school partners, families, and friends—witnessed the incredible transformation of 20 young leaders.
These young adults, armed with leadership principles, took on real-world challenges, turned their ideas into action, and created community projects that tackled everything from mental health to recycling! Their projects, presented with pride and passion, ranged from:
- Poetry for Mental Health
- Elderly Companionship
- Reducing Screen Time
- Lowering Anxiety in Teens
- Supporting Young Cancer Patients
- Tutoring Young Students
- Indigenous Literacy
- Vaping Harm Awareness
- Recycling through Creative Reuse
Every initiative was a testament to the power of growth, courage, and taking on leadership roles. From proof-of-concept to piloting their projects in the real world, these young leaders didn’t just talk about making a difference—they made it happen!
Joseph Giovenco, Vice Chairperson of DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club, summed it up beautifully: “Over the past 17 years, DOOLEYS has been proud to invest in the next generation of community leaders, and today’s graduates are a reflection of that commitment.” Joseph also highlighted how Max Potential has grown from a program of just 10 participants to regularly supporting 30 young adults every year.
One shining example of this is Emily Farah, whose Young Person and Elderly Companionship Program not only aims to combat loneliness among seniors but also builds lasting, meaningful relationships between generations. Emily’s project, already running at “a local aged care facility, pairs young people with elderly individuals to provide much-needed companionship through activities like iPhone training, storytelling, and memory games. Emily’s vision extends beyond just one-on-one interactions; she also organises weekly group sessions, encouraging both generations to engage in conversations, share experiences, and explore cultural heritage through joint activities.
Emily reflected on her journey: “At a young age, I recognised the challenges the elderly face with technology, and I wanted to bridge that gap. Through my program, we are not only teaching skills but also building deep, meaningful connections between generations. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see this initiative bring so much joy and learning to both the elderly and the students involved.” Her passion has helped the initiative thrive, already making a positive impact at local facilities like “a local aged care facility”.
Councillor Paul Garrard and Helen Hughes, both passionate advocates for community engagement, were particularly moved by Emily’s work. Both have offered further support to continue and expand Emily’s initiative, recognising its potential for even greater impact. They expressed their desire to see this program continue making a positive difference in the community, emphasising how vital it is to foster such connections between young people and the elderly. Their backing will help ensure that this initiative not only grows but continues to strengthen community bonds and improve the wellbeing of both the young and elderly.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteer community coaches. These coaches, trained in the art of leadership coaching and the GROW model, provided 1:1 personalised support, helping each young adult overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Many grew alongside the young leaders they coached!
Calling All Sponsors and Coaches for 2025!
The journey doesn’t end here. We are gearing up for 2025, and we need you to get involved! Whether you’re a local business looking to invest in the next generation or a passionate individual ready to volunteer and be trained as a community coach, Max Potential is keen to connect with you!
Our program gives young adults, who might not otherwise have access to personal development opportunities, the tools they need to become leaders.
We are also actively seeking additional sponsors for the 2025 program to help us reach even more young adults and provide them with the leadership opportunities they need to thrive. By partnering with Max Potential, sponsors not only make a lasting impact in the community but also benefit from increased visibility, community engagement, and professional development opportunities for their staff.
For more details on how to get involved in 2025, contact us today at www.maxpotential.com.au or 0428 166 743.
