Fresh perspective with youth appointment

The City of Busselton has appointed state softball champion and local resident Darcey Pes as its 2025 youth trainee, and says the new addition is a boon for the City of Busselton Youth Services team.

“With Darcey coming on board, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and youthful energy to the Youth Services team,” Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“Each trainee adds their unique flair, keeping the City in tune with youth culture, the latest trends and solutions to barriers.”

The Youth Services team is responsible for hosting events including the annual Battle of the Bands, Girls to the Front skating event and the South West Youth Festival.

The team also oversees the local youth centres, where programs offer young locals the chance to undertake training including responsible service of alcohol courses to neuro divergent support, barista training and recreational skipper’s tickets.

Mayor Cronin said business support allowed the City to offer the youth trainee position to a motivated resident each year.

“We sincerely thank Rio Tinto for their ongoing commitment to regional youth through the MOU they have in place with the City,” he said.

“Each year, Rio Tinto invests $80,000 into youth initiatives, both in Busselton and Dunsborough, and have proudly supported the youth trainee position since 2014.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Health, Safety, Environment and Communities General Manager, Mark Townson said, “We believe helping young people to reach their full potential is key to building thriving communities”.

“Our long-standing partnership with the City of Busselton provides young people like Darcey with the chance to kick-start their careers and make a positive difference in the local community where they live.”