High on inspiration

FIVE–time world champion aerial skier and Olympic medallist Jacqui Cooper joined parents and children at the Cockatoo Hills Community Strengthening Initiative (HCSI) for a family dinner on 23 August.
Cooper delivered an inspiring address to the families and other community members about the commitment and motivation that led to her becoming the greatest aerial skier of all time.
She said she valued being asked to speak about her career, her role as Cardinia’s healthy living ambassador, and the Prevention Community Model (PCM) initiative, which aims to improve the community’s health.
“I have a passion for working with and inspiring families and young people to help them improve their health, set goals and achieve their dreams and the night was a great opportunity to do this,” she said.
The HCSI is based at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Cockatoo and aims to connect families with their local community.
The program runs playgroups, after school activities for primary school–aged children and mentoring for at-risk families or children.
The HCSI team can provide guidance and referrals to families who would otherwise be unaware of the opportunities that exist.
“We have a mentoring session every Thursday afternoon for children and their families, which is followed by dinner for the families,” co-ordinator Lynda Prout said.
“It was wonderful to have Jacqui come and enjoy dinner with us and then to hear how she worked continuously to achieve her goals and dreams, it was really inspiring to all of us.”
Call Ms Prout on 0421 300 519 for more information about HCSI.