Council has launched the Cumberland Ambassador Program by welcoming aboard three young athletes with a history of success; 12 year old hurdler Latecia Lolohea from Greystanes, 17 year old volley baller Angelina Smerdely from Auburn and 20 year old volley baller Deepak Harish from Granville.
The Ambassador Program celebrates the achievements of local residents in the fields of sport, community service, academia and cultural activities. Ambassadors receive a $1,000 grant to support their endeavours and in turn over a 12month period volunteer at Council’s civic and community events, while acting as role models and spokespeople for their community.
Mayor Greg Cummings congratulated the three young athletes on their achievements, while welcoming them into the Program.
“Cumberland is a place where everyone is welcome, where anyone can belong and where everyone is encouraged to succeed,” Mayor Cummings said.
“The Ambassador Program shines a spotlight on some of our ‘local heroes’. The fact that in the first round, all successful applicants were athletes, shows the importance of sport to our community.
“Each Ambassador is unique. Latecia is a teenage track star currently training under Michelle Jenneke’s former coach and with her heart set on the Olympics.
“Angelina is a third generation Auburn resident who balances her love of representative volley ball with her dreams of becoming a vet.
“Deepak is another volley baller who overcame injury with grit and good humour to compete at the University Games.
“The Ambassador Program is win-win. We get to support those residents with a history of success and Council gets volunteers that represent the best of our community.
“Ultimately the Program is about people. Ask anyone who has lived in Cumberland for a while and they will tell you the best thing about living here is the people.
“The Ambassador Program is a way for us to introduce just some of our amazing residents to the wider community and the world.”
