Published on Thursday, 21 November 2019 at 11:37:26 AM
Former Denmark Senior High School student Will Roocke will travel to Queensland next month for the two-day Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference after being awarded the Shire of Denmark’s 2019 Leadership Award.
The Leadership Award, which Council opens each year to a Year 12 Denmark Senior High School student, provides financial sponsorship towards an activity or program that focuses on and supports leadership, skill development, self-discovery, initiative and confidence building.
Mr Roocke chose the conference to hear about leading practices in eco and sustainable tourism, conservation, protected area management, planning and development, community engagement, sustainable destination management and climate action.
“Being able to attend the Global Eco Conference will broaden my understanding of environmental projects that other small communities engage in and the processes they use,” Mr Roocke said.
He hopes to return with knowledge he can apply to his own future endeavours within the Walpole and Denmark regions such as ways of involving community and schools in dieback spread prevention, mapping and control of invasive snail species within national parks and working towards a greater understanding of the hidden gems and history of the area.
“Being part of a small rural community, the importance of working together was an essential part of my upbringing.
“I would like to give back to the community in a way that is not only beneficial for now but for the future. I believe my determination and love for our amazing area will drive me to carry out a programme or initiative that will be beneficial to individuals and the broader community,” Mr Roocke said.
Upon his return Mr Roocke plans to continue working on the WOW Eco Cruise with Gary Muir implementing a small project under his guidance as well as pursuing further studies in the environmental sector.
The Shire of Denmark would like to congratulate Mr Roocke on receiving the Leadership Award and wishes him well on his trip and future contributions to the community.
Shire of Denmark Leadership Award recipient Will Roocke with Shire President Cr Ceinwen Gearon
Back to All News