AlphaFit
AUSTRALIAN MADE. BUILT NOT BOUGHT. AlphaFit is a 100% Australian owned family company manufacturing gear specifically for the strength and conditioning, functional fitness and high-performance…
read moreDuring the April school holidays 15 adventurous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people from the Victorian Highlands travelled down to the YMCA Anglesea Recreation Camp for an incredible week-long skate camp. As well as a strong focus on fun, the program had an important emphasis on using skate as a way for young people to reconnect with culture and country.
The camp is the first of its kind in Anglesea, and is a result of strong partnerships between YMCA Anglesea Recreation Camp, Sports Victoria, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Skateworks school holiday and Social Justice Indigenous programs.
As a part of the program participants created their own Skateworks Balance Stick (a type of skateboard). Starting off with a blank board each young person painted symbols of challenges they want to face and symbols of dreaming to connect them with country.
A highlight of the camp were sessions ran by Brodie Jarrett, a proud Gumbaynggirr man and cement ripping skater and accomplished Australian indigenous artist. Brodie is Australia's best known and highest ranking Indigenous skateboarder. As well as showing off his skills, he taught a grip tape and board painting session.
12-year-old Robert* enjoyed the camp and learning new skateboarding skills.
“I didn’t know how to skate ramps, but I do now and can practice when I get home. I can’t wait to start a new collection of skateboards. I also really loved learning archery and I’m going to do archery with my aunty when I get home too,” he said.
For many of the young people, the camp also provided an important reprieve from personal struggles and opportunity to learn from positive role models in a safe environment.
“Many of these young people come from variety of challenging circumstances. Some have autism, others suffer from anxiety or identity insecurity. The camp was about providing a safe place for a young indigenous person to develop their identity and strengthen links to culture and country,” YMCA Anglesea Camp manager Jason Stewart said.
The program has now set its sights on further expanding within the Ballarat region. With the incorporation of Social Justice Indigenous kids, the birth of Fierce Aboriginal Girls group and Deadly Young Fellas group, exciting things are ahead for this important program.
*Name changed for privacy reasons
2nd May 2019 - YMCA Victoria successfully delivers outdoor adventure camps for active seniors
21st March 2019 - Merger of Bendigo YMCAs will enhance local services
12th March 2019 - YMCA Victoria partners with Parks Victoria to deliver training for inclusive outdoor recreation program
11th January 2019 - Mynd Wellness heralds a quiet revolution in fitness
22nd November 2018 - YMCA appoints action sports expert to the Board of Skate Australia
26th October 2018 - YMCA Victoria backs VICSWIM with free participant family access
19th February 2018 - CAIRNS PROGRAM SERVES UP TENNIS PATHWAY FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH
29th March 2016 - Indigenous Football Week aims to encourage change and youth talent
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
AUSTRALIAN MADE. BUILT NOT BOUGHT. AlphaFit is a 100% Australian owned family company manufacturing gear specifically for the strength and conditioning, functional fitness and high-performance…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreOtium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…
read morePricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry.
read moreProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…
read moreTPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…
read morePolin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!