William and Jacob Mareko from Yam Island and Bamaga’s Pryce and Anthony Mara lead out Blake Wilson from Mornington Island in a hotly contested beach race during the annual NRL Cowboys House boarders outing. Photos: Supplied.
A group of Indigenous secondary school students from some of our most remote communities, including two sets of identical twins, have taken to the surf lifesaver’s role like a duck to water.
Part of an NRL Cowboys House boarders outing, William and Jacob Mareko from Yam Island and Bamaga’s Pryce and Anthony Mara travelled to Magnetic Island for water safety lessons, drills and games led by Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club (ASLSC).
Managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, NRL Cowboys House provides a home away from home for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to attend secondary school in Townsville.
Its award-winning wraparound model delivers social, cultural, educational, and career transition programs to support the students through high school, and on to meaningful employment or further education.
The annual Magnetic Island trip is a reward for students who have been making exceptional efforts in their schoolwork, extra-curricular activities or personal growth.
Ranging from grades 7-12, the boarders were educated about how to enjoy a day on the beach safely as well as put through their paces by some up-and-coming surf lifesavers.
About 30 NRL Cowboys House boarders travelled to the island aboard the SeaLink ferry.
Ready to jump: Kesia Bob from Yam Island prepares for a beach flag race.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said many House students had strong links to the ocean.
“We have boarding students from a range of remote communities both inland and coastal, but also through the Torres Strait Islands where connection to the water is an important part of daily life,” she said.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of SeaLink. This opportunity was not only a fantastic reward and incentive for a great year in boarding, but also a chance to learn skills for life.”
Taylor Mene from Thursday Island and Dorothy (Dora) Mara from Injinoo keep cool between activities.
ASLSC’s Linda Murray said a surf lifesaving club offered numerous benefits for young people.
“Our job is to make sure the community can enjoy a visit to the beach and make it home safely, so it was fantastic to share some of our knowledge and skills,” she said.
“Boosting diversity in lifesaving is one of our goals at ASLSC so our collaboration with SeaLink and NRL Cowboys House is a brilliant way to broaden knowledge of what we do.
“We did beach sprints, flag races, practised running through the water and even had a close-up look at our rescue jet ski.
“On top of beach rescues, lifesaving is also a sport, and these kids are extremely athletic and clearly competitive. The twin verse twin rivalries were wonderful to watch.”
SeaLink North Queensland general manager Darren Spearman said the event had become a highlight for the team.
“This has become an occasion the SeaLink team looks forward to every year. The Cowboys Community Foundation, through programs such as NRL Cowboys House, does a fantastic job delivering life-changing programs in the community,” Mr Spearman said.
“It was wonderful to see these young students learning, having fun in the water and enjoying a barbecue lunch with our team members.
“We also have a long-standing relationship with the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club, and this annual event recognises the brilliant work they do, volunteering their time to keep us safe while we enjoy our beaches.”
For more information on how to support Cowboys Community Foundation initiatives visit the website.
Students learn about day-to-day rescue duties during their trip to Magnetic Island.
