By MELISSA MEEHAN
BULLYING – Mount Evelyn says no.
Primary and secondary schools from Mount Evelyn banded together in an attempt to stamp out bullying as part of a new program run by and for students.
In partnership with the Rotary Club of Lilydale, schools in the area worked with local artists to create meaningful pieces that let their feelings about bullying be heard.
Last week, the fruits of their labour paid off, with all involved launching an exhibition at Morrisons Café.
At last year’s Mount Evelyn Township Planning Night, representatives from Mount Evelyn Primary School put forward the idea of a youth summit to focus on issues affecting children in the town.
After engaging with Yarra Hills Secondary College and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, the group has received a $10,000 grant as part of the Victorian Government’s Bully Stoppers program.
At the launch, Lilydale Rotary president Helen McDonald said it had been a wonderful and inspiring program to be involved in.
“It’s great to see the kids not only take part, but also take charge of something like this,” Ms McDonald said.
“The support of the staff, students and parents has also been wonderful – it’s great that the community has made a stand against bullying.”
Organiser, Kathy Sanders said she hoped that the project would inspire other areas to get involved.
“It’s sending a very important message in our community, that we won’t tolerate it.”
