For more than 35 years, Beacon Foundation has been helping young Australians make informed decisions about their futures, connecting students with real-world career experiences and pathways before they leave school.
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The national not-for-profit organisation, founded in Tasmania and headquartered in Hobart, continues to play a vital role in the Echuca-Moama region through a unique collaborative model that supports students across five schools.
Campaspe Cohuna LLEN project co-ordinator Cath Elms said the local program is distinct from many other Beacon initiatives around Australia.
“While Beacon started in Tasmania in 1988 and now operates nationally, our model in Echuca-Moama is a little different,” Ms Elms said.
“We are governed by a local board of directors and work across five schools, rather than being based within a single school.
“That gives us the opportunity to bring students together and create larger regional experiences.”
The program supports students from Australian Christian College, Echuca Twin Rivers School, Moama Anglican Grammar, Echuca College and St Joseph’s College, fostering stronger connections between schools, students, employers and the wider community.
A key element of Beacon’s work is student leadership.
Each year, Year 8 students could apply to become Beacon leaders, taking an active role in planning and delivering programs for younger students.
Ms Elms said the leadership model ensures activities remain relevant and engaging for young people.
“It keeps our programs youth-focused and current,” she said.
“Our Beacon leaders provide valuable insight into what resonates with students and how we can create experiences that are meaningful for them.”
One of the year's flagship events is the Pathways Pledge ceremony, which brings together more than 500 students from across the region.
This year's keynote speaker was Freddy McLoughlan, a former Echuca College student who is studying a double degree in computer science and computer engineering at RMIT University.
Freddy has earned recognition for his academic excellence, leadership and industry achievements, including receiving a Dean's Certificate of Commendation, being selected as a Westpac Scholar, leading RMIT's award-winning High Velocity Rocketry Team on the international stage, and completing an internship with Google.
His story highlighted the value of perseverance, embracing opportunities and aiming high, regardless of where you come from.
Students also heard from a diverse panel featuring Jonathan (Jono) McAsey, a former Echuca College student and apprentice fitter and turner with Foodmach; Riley Howard, a Telstra Network technician whose career journey began through VET studies and a telecommunications traineeship; and Hamish Dobson, a cybersecurity analyst who pursued a hands-on pathway into the technology industry through an IT traineeship after Year 12 before building a career in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity through industry certifications and workplace experience.
The discussion was led by Beacon leaders and provided students with a range of perspectives on life after school, demonstrating that successful careers could be built through university, apprenticeships, traineeships and direct entry into the workforce.
Helping students make informed choices was at the heart of Beacon’s mission.
“The main purpose of Beacon is to support young people to make informed decisions about their next steps and to confidently pursue education, training or employment opportunities that align with their goals,” Ms Elms said.
Throughout the year, Beacon delivers a range of initiatives that connect students with industry and community leaders, including business networking events, leadership activities and its annual Careers Expo.
The expo remains the region’s largest Beacon event, bringing together representatives from more than 40 industries.
Students taken part in interactive sessions and gain first-hand experience of potential career pathways.
“Students explore four different industries during the day, spending around 20 minutes with each workshop host,” Ms Elms said.
“We work closely with industry partners to create engaging, hands-on experiences.
“Students get a better understanding of what a career in that field actually looks like, the opportunities available and the skills required.”
Beyond career exploration, the expo also strengthens relationships between local schools and employers, helping build sustainable pathways into future employment.
“It’s about connecting local industry with our future workforce,” Ms Elms said.
“Those relationships can open doors for students while also helping businesses engage with the next generation of workers.”
Businesses and community members interested in supporting young people and contributing to future career pathways are encouraged to contact Beacon Foundation project officer Bobbi Aitken through CCLLEN on 5482 6055 or email info@beaconem.com.au