A NEW record has been set for the longest period of membership of the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D’FAT). At the group’s meeting last month, it was announced that Adam Pearce had been a member for more than 11 years when he reached the age limit last year.
At the July 23 meeting, Adam was presented with a certificate acknowledging the new record, which is 11 years, three months and 26 days. This broke the previous record held by Jamie Molan, by just under 10 months.
Adam was a D’FAT member from 2008 until 2019, ending his membership upon reaching the age of 26. This is the age when a person is no longer classed as a youth. He is pictured above, after receiving his certificate from D’FAT chairman Nic Kaiser.
“I was shocked when Matt Hill informed me that I had become the longest serving member, outdoing the previous member by some nine months and 26 days,” Adam said. “When I joined D’FAT I was a very shy person, very nervous to come out of my bubble, but with the help of D’FAT it changed me for the better,” he said.
A special committee of the Derwent Valley Council, D’FAT acts as an advisory body on youth matters and carries out many youth-related projects in the municipality.
“I now have a lot of confidence and I’m more outspoken,” Adam said. “I’m grateful for all the friendships that I have made through D’FAT and of all the skills that I have gained. I would recommend anyone to join D’FAT and have a go,” he said.
Adam made special mention of D’FAT facilitator Matt Hill. “No matter what I was going through, he was always there to guide me on the right path and help me to the best of his abilities. I’m excited to see how D’FAT will develop from here,” he said. Adam lives locally and works at Flair Office Furniture in Hobart.
D’FAT’s annual general meeting will be held at 7pm on September 24 at the The Salvation Army, 79 Hamilton Rd, New Norfolk. Corps. New members are welcome and more information can be obtained by calling Matt Hill on 0459 096 003, or email facilitator@dfat.com.au.
