Cessnock City Council held the 14th annual School Leaders' Morning Tea on Wednesday 9 August, where student leaders from schools across the LGA gathered at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) to hear from an inspirational guest speaker.
This years' guest speaker was Central Coast-based multidisciplinary athlete, Elana Withnall, who has represented Australia in Heptathlon, Bobsled and Rugby Sevens.
Ms Withnall's career has seen her overcome several adversities, including breaking her back in 2016, and is currently training toward achieving her childhood dream of being an Olympian.
Hosted by Cessnock City Council Mayor, Jay Suvaal, the event included a key note speech by Ms Withnall followed by a Q&A session, and concluding with morning tea in the PACC foyer.
Cessnock City Council Mayor, Jay Suvaal said the annual event was an example of how Council supports the next generation of leaders in our community.
"The School Leaders' morning tea is an excellent opportunity to facilitate discussions with dedicated, resilient and passionate guest speakers, which in turn inspires the young leaders of the next generation," Clr Suvaal said.
"Elana Withnall is a wonderfully accomplished individual with a positive attitude which has seen her overcome many ups and downs, and I hope that each of our guests found her story as inspirational as I did."
The School Leaders' Morning Tea is held annually in conjunction with Local Government Week.
