Since arriving in Katanning three years ago, Lesley Balinksi has been active in community leadership within the areas of youth, arts, performing arts and multiculturalism.  As a Shire volunteer Lesley has become a valuable member of the Community Services team.  She regularly takes on tasks and levels of responsibility that would not normally be expected of a volunteer including leadership roles in a work and community environment.
Lesley is the multicultural fashion parade coordinator for the annual Harmony festival.  She liaises with several cultural groups, most of whom do not speak good English, to encourage their involvement in the wider community.
Lesley has been assisting the Shire’s youth programs: School Holiday programs, Youth Festival, Bling Ball, Drumbeat, theatre and Finding my place program where she runs a session to help youth at risk express themselves positively through art.  She assisted the 2011 youth musical, working with participants and training them in acting and painting of backdrops.
On a weekly basis Lesley often helps the gallery manager with the coordination of gallery exhibitions.
She is currently involved with the Lake EwLyamartup project which aims to restore the lake for better recreational use and Landcare tree planting days.
Lesley is also involved with the Katanning Dramatic Society, both on and off stage.
Lesley volunteers because it is fun, she meets interesting people; it’s an opportunity to share skills and she wants to give back to the community.

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