


Have your voice heard. Help shape what comes next!
Something new is coming for youth mental health promotion in the Macedon Ranges — and you could be part of it!
In 2026, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is launching a brand-new mental health program for secondary schools, created with young people, not just for them. This locally designed program will reflect the real experiences, strengths and challenges of growing up in our community — and we want young people at the centre of shaping it.
Council are looking for young people in Years 9–11 to join our new Youth Mental Health Action Group. This is your opportunity to work alongside other students from across the shire to design initiatives that actually matter, share your ideas, and help influence real change.
Along the way, you’ll build confidence, grow your leadership and public speaking skills, strengthen your resume, meet new people, and be part of something bigger than yourself — all while helping improve mental health and wellbeing for young people in your community. There is also the opportunity to be paid for your contribution to our co-design workshops.
Want to find out more? Join our online Information Night on Wednesday 11 March from 6–7pm (students and parents/guardians welcome). We’ll explain what’s involved and answer any questions you might have.
Register for the Information Night here: https://yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.a...
Or to skip that step and join the group, feel free to contact Anna Macfarlane, Mental Health Programs Officer – Secondary amacfarlane@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.