Onboard with the program: Dallas Darby, Joseph Sam, Denzel Daniels-Misi, Domarian (Zecky) Doolah with Weipa NQBP port supervisor Duncan Hockey. Photos: Cowboys Community Foundation.
Four NRL Cowboys House students have returned from a discovery tour in Weipa with their eyes opened to career opportunities in the region.
The three-day journey gave Year 11 students from remote communities – Joseph Sam (Saibai Island), Denzel Daniels-Misi (Thursday Island), Domarian (Zecky) Doolah (Old Mapoon) and Dallas Darby (Mornington Island) – the chance to connect with local businesses and explore employment opportunities closer to home.
The initiative was funded by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and supported by Sodexo, which provided accommodation and transport.
The familiarisation trip included:
- a marine-side tour of NQBP’s Weipa port operations
- behind-the-scenes visits to Sodexo, Rio Tinto, Evolution Mining and Junction Engineering
- engagement with Indigenous-owned businesses and local employers committed to training and development.
Memorable visit: NQBP general manager of People, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Carissa Mansfield; Denzel Daniels-Misi; Joseph Sam; Thanikwithi representative Aunty Andreweena Hudson; Domarian (Zecky) Doolah; Dallas Darby; NQBP Indigenous Program manager Julie Keane; and Weipa NQBP port supervisor Duncan Hockey.
NRL Cowboys House career transitions officer Derek Reston said the experience was transformative.
“This trip was a fantastic, interactive way to help these young men with their personal growth, bring them out of their shells and show them the possibilities beyond school,” Derek said.
“They shared memorable experiences, learned about the types of jobs available in the area and made strong, new connections with employers and industries. It was also a chance for them to reconnect with family and get out on Country where possible.
“The boys have all said it was a trip of a lifetime.”
For Zecky, the trip proved exciting and eye-opening.
“We learned a lot and never realised how much work there is up in Weipa,” he said.
“It’s surprising how many career opportunities there are closer to our communities and families.”
NQBP Indigenous Program manager Julie Keane said the collaboration aligned with the corporation’s commitment to supporting education and career pathways for Indigenous youth.
“As part of NQBP’s Indigenous Program, we are always looking for opportunities to support education pathways and career opportunities for young Indigenous people,” she said.
“Working together with NRL Cowboys House and local businesses gives us the ability to optimise benefits for the students and create opportunities and connections they may not have had access to otherwise. These events broaden horizons and encourage students to explore their future potential.”
NRL Cowboys House provides a home away from home for more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities, removing geographical barriers to secondary education and creating pathways to further education, training and employment.
Visit: Cowboys Community Foundation.
Domarian (Zecky) Doolah takes it all in during the NQBP Weipa visit.
