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Youth Training Founder Wins Tattersall’s Award
Russell Ardley has been recognised with a Tattersall's Award for Enterprise and Achievement for his volunteer work with unemployed and marginalised youth in the Mornington Peninsula area.
From humble beginnings in his own backyard, Russell established the Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprise (MPYE) program in 1998, providing training and work skills programs for unemployed and marginalised youth in the community.
Russell’s inspiration for starting MPYE began in 1996 when he sought help for his son who was going through some personal struggles at the time. Frustrated by the system’s inefficiencies to provide practical assistance for young people, Russell began teaching local youth woodwork and welding. News about the program quickly spread and demand for Russell’s services outweighed the available resources. The Hon Bruce Billson MP supported Russell’s vision for MPYE and secured a Federal Government Grant to purchase the Pine Avenue site, increasing the capacity to help the local youth.
Russell’s vision and dedication for the program has seen MPYE evolve into a Registered Training Program that assists hundreds of people each year. The program has a high percentage of participants that are successful in obtaining employment or returning to complete their studies. Program participants are referred to MPYE by Correctional Services, the Department of Human Services, local Secondary Colleges, Victoria Police, and Peninsula Youth Services.
Russell’s nominator for the Tattersall’s award, Brian Williams, says “Many people come to MPYE with heavy burdens and Russell has, with very few exceptions, managed to make their daily activities and indeed their lives worthwhile and meaningful”.
MPYE Program initiatives include:
A fully functional nursery – Participants are responsible for the growth of plants for sale to nurseries, wholesalers and the general public. Funds raised go back into MPYE programs. A key feature of the program is to grow plants native to the Mornington Peninsula region.
Wood work– participants have the opportunity to generate products from new and recycled timber.
Metal work / welding – Qualified volunteers teach metal work.
Basic computer training
Craft work and lead lighting
About the award
“The Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement is one of Tattersall’s most significant community initiated programs that honours those prepared to ‘have a go,’ whether it be overcoming physical disabilities, heroic deeds or helping someone in need. Russell Ardley is a great example of what this award represents, having demonstrated persistence and determination above the norm to keep the Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprise Program running,” said Tattersall’s Public Affairs Manager, Peter Franich.
Russell Ardley, along with eleven Tattersall’s Monthly Award for Enterprise and Achievement recipients, are in the running to win the 2007 Tattersall’s Annual Award for Enterprise and Achievement, with a $15,000 personal prize and a further $75,000 for the recipients chosen beneficiary. The award will be announced at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne in August 2007.
The Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement began in 1980. Since then, over 300 individuals and the charities they support have benefited from these monthly awards.
3AW People’s Choice Award
The 3AW People's Choice award will also be announced in August 2007. This award is for the most popular Tattersall’s monthly winner as voted by 3AW listeners.
Contact: Michael Mangos 8517 7443
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