CARVING a right trail for youth in the Mitchell Shire is not just part of the job for Mitchell Shire Youth Services Co-ordinator Buffy Leadbeater. A strong community leader, Ms Leadbeaters dedication and hard work was acknowledged as the recipient of the Central Ranges LLEN Christine Cox Trailblazer Award recently. In announcing the award, Central Ranges LLEN Chair Doreen Power said Ms Leadbeater was a real trailblazer. Buffy has shown a great commitment to innovation through establishing Mitchell youth rooms, collaboration through her work with arange of orgs and young people and going above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of local young people, Ms Power said. During her time at Mitchell Shire, Ms Leadbeater has demonstrated leadership in the development of the Mitchell Shire Youth Strategy and youth consultations, the further development of the Mitchell Shire Youth Council and the Cyber Tattoo campaign to tackle cyber bullying. Recently, Ms Leadbeater also drew attention to the region by hosting a forum in Wallan in partnership with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, bringing together a variety of stakeholders to feed into a state-wide consultation process. Ms Leadbeater was nominated for award alongside two others from the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes presented Ms Leadbeater with the award and $500 cheque at the Central Ranges LLEN annual general meeting. The award recognises excellent leadership, outstanding achievement and significant partnerships, in honour of the late Central Ranges LLENs Christine Cox. Caption Text: Leading the way: Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes presented Buffy Leabeater with the Central Ranges LLEN Christine Cox Trailblazer Award.