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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 12 Hansard (13 November) . . Page.. 3586 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

YAA is a non-profit organisation which provides hands-on enterprise education programs to youth. YAA relies on commitment from the local business community for business advisers and mentors, consultants and sponsorship. Its mission, as Ms MacDonald has outlined, is to develop business enterprise skills, capacities and understanding in all young Australians through partnerships with business, education and the community. It is about providing young people with the opportunity to access vital business enterprise programs, regardless of location, circumstances, curricula choice, career paths or academic strengths.

This year 11 student companies were established under the business skills program. The program explores business roles and responsibilities and promotes development of an entrepreneurial spirit through hands-on involvement in setting up and running a profit-driven business. Students give up their after-school time to participate in the program and participation in the program also helps students to make informed career choices.

Recently, awards were given on the awards night under seven categories. The major award for the evening was that of young business person of the year. I would like to congratulate the following award category winners: student company of the year, Now Ya Cookin; best product, FYASCO, which produced a book for teenagers; best annual report, Now Ya Cookin; best business plan, Funkyard, which is about manufacturing recycled clocks; and in the e-commerce category, Now Ya Cookin. In the special achievement category the joint winners were Yandy Dandy and Ya Mate.

I would particularly like to recognise and congratulate the ACT young business person of the year, Jamila Rizvi. Karin MacDonald mentioned Jamila earlier. She was chosen from a group of eight highly motivated finalists. Jamila will compete with candidates from other states and territories for the national YAA young business person of the year award in Sydney on 3 December. I am sure members will join me in wishing her well.

Mr Speaker, YAA has an outstanding record for developing business enterprise and entrepreneurial skills in youth from our region, using a number of learning tools. The program offers a management skills and team leadership day. Student companies also participate in a trade fair, which provides them with the opportunity to finetune their selling techniques while showcasing their products.

Mentors from the ACT government and business provide strategic direction and practical advice to students to develop and manage their companies, products and services. It is because of this commitment from both students and mentors that of the 12 student companies operating in the ACT and south-east New South Wales, three won a total of four national awards.

Mr Speaker, it is particularly important to recognise the outstanding efforts of Virginia Lette, YAA's manager for the ACT region. Over the past two years Virginia has been an excellent ambassador for the YAA program. Not only has she coordinated the program, she has also provided the focus and direction for students and has been a link between sponsors, business, students and the YAA organisation.

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