--- title: "Young people bring out the optimism in me: Maree McPherson OAM" description: Maree McPherson OAM says young people bring out her optimism. And they give her hope that the future will be cared for. image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Maree%20McPherson%20OAM%20Optimism.png --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Young People](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/young-people) , ###### [Gippsland](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/gippsland) # Young people bring out the optimism in me: Maree McPherson OAM   [Maree McPherson OAM](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mareemcpherson/) told me, “Young people bring out the optimism in me. Every time I am around people under 30, I feel their energy and passion to change the world. Gippsland has an incredible wealth of young folks from many varying backgrounds, and they give me hope that the future will be cared for.” Maree is a Leadership Development Specialist, was Chair of the Gippsland Regional Partnership and is an active Rotarian.   Maree generously shared her optimism for Gippsland as I prepare to support the C3 City Country Connect event in Traralgon on 16 August, part of the Latrobe City Council Business Festival. This year’s festival theme is "Strengthening Regional Growth Through Connections." My role will be to provoke more optimism in our participants and friends. Join us! Book at [https://c-3.com.au](https://t.co/2N7Z6V5AjI)   My role will be to provoke more optimism in our participants and friends. ![😊](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1e/2/16/1f60a.png)   Join us! Book at [https://www.c-3.com.au/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-3.com.au%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3G7lgoIkLUQVSjhd6fp7eaFfGObfmT_8ye_Czs-7HydpMApgvLi0PYyfA_aem_Vk8_gpwAAeyTxVDy42G9iQ&h=AT37bzrwcAHhWdfQGImEhI-z9CeKS4j3zztho0i4wWLlz0W1uVIHocU70zq6TxYi4_8U4SpcGYlIWai-zOBR2h8VNa2_3brEnJk7oeCNyQDnuUqXqamNIUZ6aDh603md4TjQH09Qfvsn9ba93c_YOdQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2YUNcEb8B0uRIR3rajA0lcu39moQji8WYMPucf5YTGfixyeBTex8LUKwItSzqCSDIt89g3BS9NTk4iIeg9BLuVwyMwzU9IgkMinsGigUifCxjrcjawfSj30ND3R14yjmXmR0eNH_BPwVjOCqQSJ2bsWvZZFqpoxw5oevPzAqXKzsCg4gW-TcQLK_cJ5wMlTgCae7QMYeYgaOeTjKehIfTb0VsvBNUYA44HsgtqRog7klVyvr52)     ### More Optimism for the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland “What makes me [optimistic](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=optimistic&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) and [hopeful](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=hopeful&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) for the region is that I am fortunate to work with many [passionate](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=passionate&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) and committed [people](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=people&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) in the [community](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=community&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) who all work together to make Latrobe Valley a [healthier](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=healthier&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) and [happier](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=happier&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7222712988422619136) place to live," said [Tanya Rong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-rong/), Chair of the [Latrobe Health Assembly](https://www.linkedin.com/company/latrobe-health-assembly/). ![Tanya Rong Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tanya%20Rong%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Tanya%20Rong%20Optimism.png)  “What makes me optimistic? The people around me make me optimistic. I see goodwill, energy and action in the people I work with at [Gippsland Water](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gippsland-water/). They go about their work with a genuine commitment to public health, the environment, and their communities. Looking at the positive impact that people are making inspires me; it makes overcoming tough challenges seem possible,” said [Tom Mollenkopf AO](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mollenkopf-ao-3b45655/), Chair of Gippsland Water.   ![Tom Mollenkopf AO Optimism for Gippsland (1)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tom%20Mollenkopf%20AO%20Optimism%20for%20Gippsland%20(1).png?width=900&height=450&name=Tom%20Mollenkopf%20AO%20Optimism%20for%20Gippsland%20(1).png)   "Any reality we are given is not set in stone, and we can choose one of many possible [futures](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=futures&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221809316477952001) by staying open to [opportunities](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=opportunities&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221809316477952001) and practising stubborn [optimism](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=optimism&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221809316477952001) despite of, and at times because of hardships and challenges" said [Gippsland](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=gippsland&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221809316477952001) resident [Farhat Firdous,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhatfirdous/)a [Baw Baw Shire Council](https://www.linkedin.com/company/baw-baw-shire-council/) Councillor and a Gippsland Regional Partnership of Regional Development Victoria member.   ![Farhat Firdous Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Farhat%20Firdous%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Farhat%20Firdous%20Optimism.png)   “What makes me optimistic? The prospect is that we will come together as a [community](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=community&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185) and [thrive](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=thrive&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185) to embrace [challenge](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=challenge&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185) and come out stronger. Latrobe City has a long history of [entrepreneurialism](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=entrepreneurialism&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185), [innovation](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=innovation&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185), business capability and a formidable work ethic to set a [bold](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=bold&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185) new course for the [future](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=future&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221417588218589185).” The energy and vision of [Terri Plozza](https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-plozza-158320110/), Economic Development Officer at [Latrobe City Council](https://www.linkedin.com/company/latrobe-city-council/) in the Latrobe Valley.   ![Terri Plozza Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Terri%20Plozza%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Terri%20Plozza%20Optimism.png)   "Optimism is about moving forward and believing that there is hope for an outcome. This might be something as simple as the process allowing for options or a choice. It's a thought, a belief, and, for some, an action.” The wisdom of [Jes Egan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesegan/), an organiser of the C3 City Country Connect event in Traralgon, part of the [Latrobe City Council](https://www.linkedin.com/company/latrobe-city-council/) Business Festival. This year’s festival theme is "Strengthening Regional Growth Through Connections". ![Jes Egan Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jes%20Egan%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Jes%20Egan%20Optimism.png) "[Optimism](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=optimism&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221038700799934465) is a combination of things: It's the hope that, in the end, everything is going to turn out alright, but it's also a belief that the journey or process of realising that desired future state is worthwhile regardless. You're just treading water if you can't be motivated by a [dream](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=dream&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7221038700799934465) to achieve something. Optimism provides the reason to get out of bed and keep going at it every day." The wisdom of [John Calabro](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncalabro/), Director from [View From Here](https://www.linkedin.com/company/view-from-here/), presenter of the C3 City Country Connect event in Traralgon, part of the [Latrobe City Council](https://www.linkedin.com/company/latrobe-city-council/) Business Festival.  ![John Calabro Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/John%20Calabro%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=John%20Calabro%20Optimism.png) "What makes me optimistic? We live in one of the greatest countries in the world and, in my view, one of the nicest regions. I love the four seasons we experience in Gippsland: from the lazy days playing in the surf on the 90-mile beach in the middle of summer when it’s almost 40 degrees or skiing down the icy slopes of Mt Baw Baw on a sunny winter day in about minus 4 degrees. Such variety, sitting at an open fire whilst camping in our magnificent forests and throwing a line in one of the incredible rivers or even the incredible Gippsland Lakes. We have it all, and Traralgon is a short 2 hours drive to the middle of Melbourne. To steal a line from the [Wellington Shire Council](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellington-shire-council/), it’s great living in the “middle of everywhere”!" The [wisdom](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=wisdom&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7220688523043987456), [optimism](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=optimism&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7220688523043987456) and joy of [Rodney Lavin JP](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-lavin-jp-16b57026/), the Director of Traralgon-based [Lavin & Associates](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lavin-%26-associates/) accountants. ![Rodney Lavins Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rodney%20Lavins%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Rodney%20Lavins%20Optimism.png) "Optimism means saying 'yes' to the challenge. Having the confidence to go beyond your comfort zone and challenge yourself to make a bigger contribution to the world around you," said Mary Aldred. ![Mary Aldred and her Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mary%20Aldred%20and%20her%20Optimism.png?width=900&height=450&name=Mary%20Aldred%20and%20her%20Optimism.png)     [Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) ##### Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism ##### We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world [![Give Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21889975/daed54ec-1173-4b99-9390-e69152e87436) #### Here are some similar articles ###### [Young People](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/young-people) , ###### [Curiosity and Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/curiosity-and-optimism) #### [Cameron Geddes on Curiosity, Experience, and Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/cameron?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/cameron?hsLang=en) ###### [Australia](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/australia) , ###### [Young People](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/young-people) #### [Richard Gerver's Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/richardgerver?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/richardgerver?hsLang=en) ###### [Action](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/action) , ###### [Young People](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/young-people) #### [For Jules McMurtrie Optimism serves as a Powerful Catalyst](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/julesmcmurtrie?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/julesmcmurtrie?hsLang=en) ## Connect With Us ##### We love to connect with everyone who is ready to open up and share their optimisim. - [![Facebook 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Facebook%202.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/optimistsvoices/) - [![instagram (6)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/instagram%20(6).svg)](https://www.instagram.com/centreforoptimism/?hl=en) - [![linked in 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/linked%20in%202.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centreforoptimism/) - [![youtube (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/youtube%20(3).svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFd4GnToz3WLasQSfsz_z8w) - [![twitter](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/Centre4Optimism) #### Keep up to date with the latest from The Centre for Optimism ##### Contact Us Call Us: [+61 417 217 241](tel:+61%20417%20217%20241) (Australia) PO Box 5081, Garden City, Victoria 3207, Australia ##### [The Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? 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