Chantelle Walmbeng and Troy Hudson have spoken about earning the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and leading youth in Aurukun and Napranum. Photo: Supplied.
Speaking about your experiences in front of a crowd can be daunting. But the nerves calmed for two Cape York youth leaders as they thought about all they had achieved.
Aurukun’s Chantelle Walmbeng and Napranum’s Troy Hudson were selected to speak about their journey towards earning the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Duke of Edinburgh Ambassador Gala in Brisbane on 6 November.
Chantelle, a police liaison officer and PCYC youth leader, said she felt nervous ahead of the Q&A presentation, but her peers back in the community gave her strength.
“I felt nervous, but once I got up the front, I spoke loud and proud,” she said.
“I just put my mind to it and [thought about] showing my community and young people the way to go.
“I’m trying to get the young people of Aurukun on board with this program – it seems really fun, and you can do things for the first time.”
Fifteen-year-old Troy, also emerging as a strong leader at PCYC Napranum, said his confidence grew as the presentation went on.
“I was able to talk about what I had done on Duke of Ed, which helped me to speak well, as I was familiar with it,” he said.
“I told people it had been good for me and it was good to get out and do things. I hope to encourage [my community] to try new things and get out of their comfort zone.”
The pair will now go on to begin the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, which will require them to complete the physical recreation, skills, voluntary service and adventurous journey components again – this time, at a higher level.
“Completing the silver award means to take one more big step towards my goals,” Troy said.
Chantelle is also keen to achieve silver.
“I’ll do it because I love challenging myself,” she said. “It’s also something to be proud of and brings me happiness.”
Stage fright is no match for Troy Hudson (far left) and Chantelle Walmbeng (standing) as they speak about wanting to inspire young community members. Photo: Supplied.
