Cr Eric Lording. Photo: Ash Long

Australia looks to be in good hand sin the future, Cr Eric Lording told last week’s meeting of Murrindindi Shire Council.

“Over January I was proud to be part of a three-week youth development program. It was conducted in the Puckapunyal Military Area with billeting and messing in the old Nasho training areas,” Cr Lording said.

“The development syllabus consisted of training and every person participating in public speaking, leadership, field craft, survival, first aid and group management skilling fields.

“The advantage of using the Puckapunyal Military Area is the isolation from electronic services, very high security services and close to a complete suite of Army infrastructure, ambulance services and military
policing.

“The have excellent sleeping and ablution facilities, and great food provided by the Army and Air force instructors. An excellent ratio of one instructor to every 10 participants was achieved.

“It was wonderful to see the 220 participants relearning personal communication skills without the use of electronics. And, all this in extreme heat at times.

“The youths were so keen to learn and participate in all activities, that I came away thinking that Australia was going to be in good hands into the future,” Cr Lording said.