Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
News
The Moorabool News – 22 February, 2022 Page 5
Sixth page-turner
By Lachlan Ellis
Aspiring leaders sought A Council program for community minded Mooraboolites is taking applications for its third year, and is completely free. The Community Leadership Program is open for applications until 31 March, with the 18week program free for Moorabool residents, or anyone with a connection to Moorabool, over the age of 16. Julie is a 2021 participant and said she was reluctant to apply at first, but was glad she did. "I saw the Community Leadership Program two weeks prior to when it closed, and I just disregarded it. It was so far outside my comfort zone. I didn’t know anyone in the town, I was new…and then I thought, give it a go, what have I got to lose?” she said. “I have walked away with so much more than I could've ever anticipated. I have experienced a change of my perception of leadership while participating in the program. I don’t consider myself a leader, but I have realised we lead every day without knowing and we can be an influence on those around us.” Another participant, David, said he was unsure about applying due to the time required, but had no regrets about taking part. “From a personal point of view, when deciding to join the program, I was a little bit apprehensive due to the time commitment involved and that was a little hurdle I had to get over initially, but I couldn't have done anything better with my time. By the end of the program we are actually making real change with our projects moving forward,” he said. “The connections we have built along the way with community groups, within Council and our connections within our group, some of which are potentially lifelong. We never would have been at that stage if we hadn’t have done this program. “The positive experience we have gained from this program has provided me the tools to be a better community leader.” Projects completed by Community Leadership Program participants include last years ‘Bacchus Marsh says Thank You Frontline Workers’, and the Moorabool Paste Ups Program, which currently has artwork on buildings across the shire. For more information and to apply for the Community Leadership Program, visit www. moorabool.vic.gov.au/CLP.
A Moorabool author has launched her sixth actionpacked book this month, the second of a series, with the third already in the works. Blackwood author Trudy Adams launched ‘The Zalem Crisis’ on 5 February, the second book in the ‘Armoured Butterfly’ series and a sequel to ‘The A’zyon Warrior’, which she published in 2021. The story continues on from the events of ‘The A’zyon Warrior’, with teenage protagonist Adaliah, Lady of Targe, working to thwart the plans of the Zalem cult. After two years of peace in the Rhea Lands, on the anniversary of the death of King Cades, war again threatens Targe, and Adaliah is called once more to take up her swords to save her family and kingdom from evil. Ms Adams said she had been writing for almost 20 years, originally for a teenage audience but also for adults. “I first began writing when I was 17. My first book, Desolate Beauty, was published when I was 22, in 2009,” she told the Moorabool News. “The Zalem Crisis is an actionfilled story that explores the trauma of defeats, and the importance of rising again to overcome obstacles. It also looks
Trudy Adams with her six published books, including The Zalem Crisis. Photo - supplied at the challenges of forgiving those who have wronged you, and of laying down your life for the greater good, both when you are a leader, and when you are not.” Ms Adams has a keen interest in getting young people reading and writing, and holds writing workshops in local schools from Grade 4 and up. “I have a passion for developing literacy amongst children and young people, as well as for prompting the power of words and stories,” she said. ‘The Zalem Crisis’ can be bought from all good bookstores, or directly from Ms Adams’ website, www.trudyadams. squarespace.com, for those who would like a signed copy. The next book in the Armoured Butterfly series, ‘The Crowned Guardians’, is due for release later this year or early 2023.