School leaders from all around the Bonner electorate were yesterday celebrated in a ceremony hosted by Federal MP Ross Vasta.

Manly West State School, Mt Gravatt East State School and Clairvaux College leaders joined with more than 40 students from other local Primary and High Schools to attend the event, and were treated to a moving motivational speech from Red Frogs founder and CEO Andy Gourley.

The students were captivated by Andy’s enthralling speech explaining how Red Frogs came to be the organisation that it is today despite its humble beginnings.

“In the very beginning all I was doing was offering a little time once a year to keep an eye on my skater mates who were attending schoolies.

“It doesn’t take much to make a huge difference the best thing to remember is doing something is always better than doing nothing.

Starting off at schoolies, Andy explained how Red Frogs quickly became a roaring success for the great work it does.

“Red Frogs now operates in more than seven countries across the world, with over $180,000 worth of lollies donated by Allens allowing us to hand out more than 2.5 million red frogs each year at events,” said Andy.

The students were astounded by the sheer size of the operation asking Andy a range of questions about how Red Frogs began 20 year ago and what he predicted for the organisation.

“Why did you pick red frogs to give out?”

“Was it scary starting Red Frogs 20 years ago?”

“If you didn’t start Red Frogs what would you be doing now?”

“Why did you choose to start Red Frogs?”

Andy finished with a simple quote to inspire the students going forward in their lives.

“Leadership influences others and passion creates change, so you need to become the change you want to see in the world.”

Local MP Ross Vasta said it’s great to be able to acknowledge the students for their leadership initiative and further encourage them to lead by example.

“It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout of student leaders in our community and to be able to connect them with such amazing influencers like Andy.”

Clairvaux College Principal, Dr. Andrea O’Brien said the students returned from the event beaming with enthusiasm.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed attending the Afternoon Tea hosted by Mr Ross Vasta MP.  It provided them an opportunity to meet and build relationships with other School Leaders in our wider community.

Principal O’Brien said the students and teachers also commented on how inspired they were after listening to Mr Andy Gourley and as a result how empowered they feel to make a difference in their own College Community.

The community of Wynnum Manly joined the Seagulls on Saturday evening to celebrate the opening of the upgraded Manly Seagulls Clubhouse, which includes the redesign and modernisation of the existing Clubhouse change rooms, and an extension to the building to accommodate a new gymnasium.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta, who joined the Seagulls for the opening, said the newly upgraded clubhouse would be a game changer for Wynnum.

“The upgrades to the clubhouse will meet the growing needs of the club and provide the opportunity to host more and larger competitions in the region,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m thrilled to see this facility opened just in time for the Seagull’s first home game at BMD Kougari Oval – Up the Gulls!”

CEO for the Club, Hanan Laban, said the facility redevelopment had been a long time coming.

“The Seagulls administration saved every penny and applied for grants for over ten years. The sheds were in dire need of an upgrade. I would like to thank the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Queensland Rugby League for their investment in the project and the local community,” Mr Laban said.

“This facility will provide a number of benefits including a professional environment for our Seagulls players and the Seagull academy. It will enhance rugby league pathway opportunities in the local area, continue the Seagulls’ wonderful support of school rugby league, and become a community hub for sport and fitness events in the area.

“It is a facility that will provide great opportunities for the Seagulls and the local community and we’re thankful for the support of our partners who are here today.”

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said local sporting clubs play an important role in building successful communities, and that the redevelopment would support future growth in sports participation

“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to and access to great sporting facilities like this are a big part of that,” Minister Nash said.

This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($400,000), the Queensland State Government ($100,000), and the Queensland Rugby League ($100,000).