This article by Michelle Scott OAM, the McCusker Chair in Citizenship at The University of Western Australia, was originally published in The West Australian on 19 September.

The sad news that 60-year-old American Denise Prudhomme had died at her desk but went unnoticed for four days highlights a poignant issue.

Loneliness is a growing concern affecting not only the elderly but increasingly young people as well and this profound sense of isolation underscores a larger societal challenge.

In 2024, we face multiple issues, including mental health crises, homelessness, domestic violence, environmental degradation and climate change.

Despite unprecedented digital connectivity, many people struggle to forge meaningful relationships and engage with their local communities.

Image: Michelle Scott OAM, the McCusker Chair in Citizenship.

This reality brings to light the crucial role of good citizenship and the urgent need to cultivate future leaders who embody its principles.

As I embark on my role as the inaugural McCusker Chair in Citizenship at The University of Western Australia, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the essence of good citizenship and its significance in developing effective leaders for tomorrow.

The values underpinning good citizenship — responsibility, empathy and active participation — are fundamental to a thriving society.

My journey over the past three decades, including as WA’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People and my leadership at the McCusker Centre for Citizenship, has underscored how these values are crucial in shaping not just communities, but the leaders of the future.

A good citizen is one who is curious, engaged and willing to contribute meaningfully to their community.

This mindset is especially important for young people, who will become tomorrow’s decision makers. If someone had checked in on Denise, that simple act of concern may have changed the outcome, or at least eased the knowledge that she spent so long alone, even in a busy workplace.

The realisation of those four lonely days would be incredibly distressing for those who knew her — colleagues, friends and family.

Good citizenship extends beyond obeying laws; it involves actively contributing to the wellbeing of others, respecting diverse perspectives and engaging in constructive dialogue to find solutions to the many challenges faced by our modern society.

In 2024, these qualities are more critical than ever as we navigate complex challenges from climate change to global conflicts.

Education plays a pivotal role in nurturing these attributes, especially among young people.

The McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s flagship internship program is a prime example of this commitment.

By offering students hands-on experience with community and industry partners, our program instils a deep sense of responsibility and the drive to make a positive impact.

Since its launch in early 2016 with just 16 interns, the centre has facilitated more than 3600 internships with more than 500 partner organisations, engaging students from various disciplines across UWA.

This rapid growth reflects a strong student desire for purpose beyond academic achievements. Due to the generosity of the McCusker Charitable Foundation these students have been learning more about citizenship and connecting with local, national and global organisations to do this.

Helena Trang is a 2021 Juris Doctor graduate who has pursued a career in social policy with a focus on education and youth justice.

Her internship with the Museum of Freedom and Tolerance through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship, along with her roles with the Student Advisory Committee and the Active Citizenship conference, were instrumental in guiding her career and Helena has since worked on impactful projects for governments and philanthropic groups, including a review of child rights in youth justice. She credits her experience with the centre for shaping her professional path.

Another alumni, Riley Dolman, a graduate in clinical exercise physiology, is now the West Kimberley Area Manager with Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation.

Riley credits his internship with Fair Game through the centre as crucial in preparing him for his community development role. Riley works to promote healthy lifestyles and self-determination in remote Aboriginal communities, driven by his passion for reconciliation and community empowerment.

He advises other students to embrace every opportunity, believing these experiences can greatly influence their future careers.

Our post-internship surveys reveal that 97 per cent of students would recommend the internship to other students.

Many report newfound awareness of issues such as homelessness and the challenges faced by people with disabilities or older individuals in WA.

This transformation highlights the impact of experiential learning in shaping future leaders who are community-focused and empathetic.

The generous support from the McCusker Charitable Foundation in establishing the centre and now the chair signifies the value of investing in citizenship and leadership development.

My goal is to further this vision by nurturing young leaders who champion the values of good citizenship.

Each of us must recognise that our actions, however small, contribute to shaping a better future. By embracing active engagement, empathy and responsibility, we can empower young leaders to build a more equitable and just society.