A YOUNG Boonah man is feeling inspired to pursue a career in management after growing his confidence and skills through the federal government’s Green Army program.
Reuben Bland, 18, was among seven youths to graduate from the program in a ceremony at Wyaralong Dam on Thursday.
The youths teamed up with the local Boonah and District Landcare and recruitment agency Manpower and to help eradicate weeds and plant native brigalow species.
They worked across five private properties at Roadvale, Kalbar, Kulgun and Teviotville in the Reynolds Creek catchment, which flows into the Bremer River.
Reuben said he had his sights set on being a good leader after completing the program and had taken inspiration from his Green Army supervisor Mick Clunes.
“I’m going to do a few courses in business management because I want to do what Mick does – to be the boss but a good part of the team,” he said.
“The Green Army gave me an appreciation of what it’s like to turn up every day for a full time job – I feel so much better prepared for life at home and life at work.”
Reuben graduated alongside Daniel Penhallurick of Boonah, Quentiin Czaplejewicz-Parr of Dugandan, Hayley Vandermeyde of Beaudesert, Jacob Heard-Demaj of Brassall, Max McKinnon of Fernbale and Jacob Jaenke of Fernvale.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said the contributions of Green Army participants provided a major boost to the local community and the environment.
“I thank everyone involved for your contributions to these projects, and I am pleased the federal government has been able to support this work,” he said.
“This is work these young people can be proud of, and the skills they have learned will set them up well for the future.”
Caption: Reuben Bland of Boonah graduates alongside fellow participants Jacob Heard-Demaj, Quentiin Czaplejewicz-Parr, Daniel Penhallurick, Hayley Vandermeyde and Max McKinnon, Thomas Bell from Boonah and District Landcare and Mick Clunes and Chris Holt from recruitment agency Manpower.
