Wodonga’s Amelia Cole is strapped in and ready to succeed at everything life has to throw at her.
Such is her commitment to her chosen field of circus performance, that she wasn’t able to receive her Wodonga Council Young Achievers Scheme award in person at the February council meeting.
Amelia, 19, is currently auditioning at overseas schools, so her father Mark Cole, received the award on her behalf.
“It seems to be the preferred pathway as directed from past instructors to help further your career and gain full-time employment,” Mr Cole said.
“The first step was sending an audition tape to be selected for the audition and now she is currently in Montreal.
“This is a four-day intensive audition which covers all aspects of performing in front of a panel of selectors.”
He said she would also be auditioning at a Quebec school over another gruelling three days.
Amelia graduated from the Fruit Fly Circus last year, after starting with it at 12 years old.
“Amelia just loves to perform, loves the training side as well, fitness, she was also dancing until the age of 16,” Mr Cole said.
“Her specialty is handstands and ‘straps’ which is two straps hung from the roof on which she does aerial stunts from.”
He said the council grant would help Amelia cover costs involved in travel, including accommodation.
“Unfortunately there is not much support in this field for young performers,” he said.
“If she gets to study in Canada having this on your resume is a big tick and will go a long way to gaining contracts and gigs in the future.”
He also thanked the Fruit Fly Circus, which has allowed Amelia to continue to train at their facility, which has been a great help in her lead up to her overseas auditions.
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The Young Achiever Scheme (YAS) recognises and supports young people under 25 years old who display an outstanding achievement in their chosen field.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to $800 to individuals or groups of young people to participate, develop skills, compete, perform or represent Wodonga in their chosen endeavour at a local, state, national or international level.
There are six categories:
- Arts, performance, music and dance;
- Sport and recreation;
- Community leadership;
- Education and training;
- Cultural; and,
- Agricultural, environmental and sustainability.
