Ten young Indigenous students from Walgett High School attended a camp to build leadership skills in late August.
The camp was designed to provide mentoring and education support to these prospective young Walgett leaders, to strengthen their confidence, develop leadership skills and support better health and wellbeing outcomes.
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It was hosted by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles with locally based charity Royal Far West, supported by the Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC).
Royal Far West CEO Lindsay Cane said the organisation was delighted to offer the camp. "This is the seventh camp we have delivered in partnership with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and it reflects the commitment we have to the health and wellbeing of young people from country Australia," she said.
The Walgett community is right behind this initiative
The students were nominated to attend by teachers from the high school and staff from their local PCYC.
The camp sessions covered healthy lifestyle and recreational activities including surfing lessons on Manly beach, healthy cooking classes, drug and alcohol education sessions and public speaking workshops.
Students attended a Manly Warringah home game and a number of Sea Eagles players, including Josh Starling.
Attendees enjoying the Indigenous youth leadership camp (Supplied) Source: Supplied
De Lees, Community Relations Manager from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, said their club was very excited to be involved in the initiative and to support the leadership development of young Indigenous people.
"Supporting our country kids is a commitment the Sea Eagles take very seriously and we are very proud of our association with Royal Far West and bush communities."
PCYC Walgett manager Amanda Cheal, who along with two PCYC youth command police officers accompanied the group, said the trip provided opportunities they would not have in Walgett, particularly through workshops and sports activities.
Supporting our country kids is a commitment the Sea Eagles take very seriously
"The Walgett community is right behind this initiative and we feel certain that this collaboration between PCYC, Royal Far West and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles has the potential to have a powerful impact on them," Ms Cheal said.
Previous camps delivered by Royal Far West and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have focused on healthy living and diabetes education and were supported financially by the Sea Eagles Foundation.
The Indigenous Leadership Skills Camp is supported by the NRL All Stars Club funding program.
Royal Far West has recently appointed an Aboriginal Cultural Relations Coordinator to strengthen its engagement with Aboriginal communities and organisations across NSW.
