Congratulations from Minister

Minister for the Central Coast Mr John Della Bosca, has congratulated students from the Peninsula Alternative Learning Centre and Umina Police Citizens Youth Club, who have won a major honour at the Young Achievement Australia Awards.

The group took the Amcor Australasia National Community Value Award at a black tie ceremony at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney recently.

"The eight students from the Peninsula Alternative Learning Centre were one of the youngest groups in the program," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The Central Coast group formed their company 'It's 4 Ya' in May and produced environmentally friendly possum homes as part of the six month Young Achievers Australia competition.

"The Community Value Award is given to a business in the program that has a significant or lasting impact on the community, contributes to the environment and improves the way of life for community members

"It's a great effort to not only win the NSW Award for Best Product and Best Manufacturing, but to win a national award recognising their contribution to their community," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The group enlisted mentors from their community in the development and operation of the business, sought sponsorship support from local industry and even managed to secure the free hire of outfits from Bridal Collections so students could attend the awards night in style.

"While the students have done well, I also thank the local community for backing them."

Among those to assist were the Peninsula Project manager Ms Julie Parsons, from the NSW Premiers Department, and Peninsula Alternative Learning Centre coordinator Mr Nic Urie.

Mr Urie said he was overwhelmed by the community support and ecstatic about the students' achievements.

"These young people have had mixed results in school, but have worked together as a team and have won two state and one national award in a business program," Mr Urie said

"Every one of them has done a remarkable job and has come such a long way."

Press release, November 24 John Della Bosca, Minister for the Central Coast