21 September 2018

Joseph Yugumbari was appointed Co-Deputy College Captain in his final year at St Kevin's College, Toorak, in recognition of abilities to collaborate across the school community. An active member of the Korin Gamadji Institute, Joseph is a strong advocate for indigenous voices within his community.

'I strive to be a role-model for younger children and my peers. I endeavour to demonstrate persistence in times of hardship as well as being adaptive and pro-active in a variety of scenarios. I tend to focus on being mentally engaged and healthy to ensure my leadership skills and assistance of others is at an optimum, allowing people to become the best versions of themselves.'

Joseph is a member of the 2018 Youth Parliament, where he developed a Bill advocating for drug education reform. He is also a member of the St Kevin's St Vincent De Paul Society. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and coaches basketball.

The 2018 Leadership Awards are being held today Treasury Place, Parliament of Victoria. A panel of seven judges from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and the Foundation for Young Australians chose the VCE Leaders and finalists in the awards, which recognise the active participation and contribution of outstanding Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students in their schools and in the community.