August 14, 2025
Local employers and organisations champion youth at Manningham Speed X
Manningham Civic Centre came alive with energy and ideas this week as it hosted Speed X 2025 – a dynamic career immersion event connecting VCE VM students with local business professionals.
Delivered in partnership between Gateway LLEN and Manningham Council, the event was officially opened by Mayor Deirdre Diamante, whose presence underscored the importance of investing in the development of young people within the community.
A mix of career insight and connection
As one of Gateway LLEN’s flagship events, Speed X offers students authentic, face-to-face engagement with employers across a diverse range of industries, from sports and recreation, building and construction, business, hospitality, health and wellbeing, and more.
In a series of fast-paced six-minute “speed rounds,” students rotated between tables, asking real questions and receiving genuine, experience-based answers.
The format of Speed X has been specially designed to help build confidence and communication skills and to provide students valuable insight into the realities of various occupations.
Inspiring opening words from the Mayor
Mayor Diamante shared her own career journey with honesty and humour, telling students, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was your age – at one point when I was young, I simply wanted to walk around the city wearing high heels and carrying a briefcase!”
She went on to explain, “I studied, I worked as a Geologist for a brief time,” before describing her varying range of jobs before becoming Mayor.
Her message to the students was clear and uplifting: Take chances and make connections to better your future opportunities.
Community collab in action
Hosted at the Manningham Civic Centre, Speed X 2025 showcased what’s possible when local government, education, and business sectors work together.
The Mayor’s personal reflections resonated well with the students, highlighting that career exploration is rarely linear, and that curiosity and adaptability are essential assets.
“Speed X provides a unique and valuable opportunity for VCE VM students to engage directly with local employers and organisations,” said Bronwen Henry, Executive Officer of Gateway LLEN.
“The event is designed to foster exploration, build interview skills, and inspire confidence through hearing diverse career stories in a supportive environment.”
Gateway would like to extend our sincere thanks to the local businesses and professionals who generously volunteered their time and expertise on the day:
- Alexander Gardens Donvale
- Aligned Leisure (Aquarena)
- Barry Plant
- Best FlatPack Assembly
- Biddick’s Bakery
- Bunnings Doncaster
- CM Furniture Design
- Doncare
- Doncaster BMW
- DPV Constructions
- Endota
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Gourmet Guru
- Hawthorn Football Club
- Headspace Syndal
- Kerrie Nobes Consulting
- KFC
- Laing O’Rourke
- Manningham Council
- National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA)
- See Sharp Group
- Spark North East Link
- State Emergency Service
- Suburban Rail Loop Authority
- Terrain Consulting
- Terra Verde
- Templestowe World of Learning
The participation of local businesses and employers not only broadened students’ understanding of employment opportunities, but also highlighted the vibrant and diverse industries thriving in Manningham.
Looking forward: Continuing the momentum
Gateway’s next Speed X event will be held next month for students in the Monash and Whitehorse regions, and due to high demand, the event is now being extended from two sessions to three.
