Above: Kambrya College students Peter and Braydon interviewed Casey mayor Kevin Bradford this week as part of their investigative journalism studies.By Rebecca Fraser
CASEY’S new mayor Kevin Bradford was put under the pump this week with students from Kambrya College asking the big questions.
Year 7 students interviewed the mayor as part of their investigative journalism studies and the question-and-answer session was later aired on Casey Radio.
Teacher Caleb Peterson said the learning initiative gave students a voice and enabled them to ask questions and interact with the broader public.
“This program lets students go out and ask people about certain issues and gain other people’s perspective on things,” he said.
Mr Peterson said Year 7 students had also been taking part in short film classes this term, conducted by fellow teacher John Hewat.
Mr Peterson said students had filmed a CSI Berwick take-off, a short horror film and a tour of Berwick where people had gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Cr Bradford said he had been very impressed by the sophisticated questions asked. The questions included the possibility of future rate rises, advice for Casey’s young students and whether he would be taking any advice from former mayors.
One student noted that Cr Bradford had stated in the local media last week that he was excited to be involved in one of the most important terms of council.
The student asked Cr Bradford what was so exciting about this new term.
“I told the students that I was happy to be a ‘southern’ mayor but still had an appreciation for the whole city.
“I said I was aware of the experience of the other mayors and would definitely be taking their advice on board but would lead with my own leadership style. This term we will have the Casey Activity Centre, Casey Fields, the Cranbourne Aquatic Centre and the Cranbourne Town Structure Plan and that is why this will be an exciting term.”
Cr Bradford also urged students to concentrate on their education, sport and faith and have the courage and commitment to stand up to their peers and not use drugs or alcohol.
