Squeezing the most out of the morning were Year 9 students from different schools including Teagan Moon, Lily Warren, Sophie Brown, Mac Campbell and Shila Cleveland mingling over a glass of OJ.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
For a quarter of a century, the Echuca Moama Beacon Program has been the bridge between the classroom and the boardroom.
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On Thursday, March 19, that legacy continued as the 25th cohort of Year 9 students officially stepped into their roles at the Beacon Business Breakfast held at Moama Bowling Club.
The Echuca Moama Beacon Program brings together students from St Joseph's College, Echuca College, Moama Anglican Grammar, Australian Christian College and Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, nurturing tomorrow’s community leaders while encouraging further education and training beyond Year 12.
The conference room buzzed with energy as business leaders, community representatives and enthusiastic young people gathered bright and early to witness the official Beacon leader swearing-in ceremony and jacket presentation for the new cohort.
Attendees got to hear from representatives from around the region, as well as past Beacon students who shared what they had achieved after participating in the program.
Community leaders and students packed into the Moama Bowling Club for the 2026 Echuca Moama Beacon Business Breakfast.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Miguel Carlos, a 2025 alumnus of the program from Echuca College, was unable to make it, but prepared a message for the conference that was read by principal Jessica Sargeant.
Miguel said with “absolute certainty” that he improved in personal skill development across the program.
He said it was a good way to test his interview skills, try being a leader in his community, and even improve his ability to speak.
“It's taught me how to treat people, read rooms and really just how to find yourself,” he said.
He finished with advice for the incoming class.
“You will make mistakes — and that's just part of life,” Miguel said.
“Bounce up, be resilient about it, overcome your fears, step out of your comfort zone to get to know yourself and find out who you are.”
The event concluded with valuable networking time, allowing students to connect directly with established community leaders and gain real-world insights into leadership roles.
Journalist Jemma Jones was up bright and early on Thursday, capturing all the business breakfast action.
C4EM chief executive Jayden Howe with Campaspe Shire councillor Jessica Mitchell.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Catherine Kervin from Echuca College and Arman Botha from Australian Christian College.
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Jemma Jones
Anne Marie Cairns, Echuca College principal Jessica Sargeant and Beacon board member Sue Turner.
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Jemma Jones
Rory Hendry and Beacon board member Karen Hagen.
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Jemma Jones
Sharon Moon, Lysa Johnstone, Echuca police Leading Senior Constable Shane Roberts and Rebbecca Hof.
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Jemma Jones
Beacon leader Madison Walkley with dad Shayne Walkley and Nikki Harris from Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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