ICP
ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
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.
ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
read more@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…
read moreJonasLeisure offers a complete range of leading leisure and recreation software brands – envibe, Centaman, Gladstone Health & Leisure, The Retention People, Nutrition Complete and…
read moreGeoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) is a structural, aquatic and civil engineering consultancy with broad experience in the design of new municipal and institutional swimming pools, hydrotherapy…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read moreVticket Pty Ltd is the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Gateway Ticketing Systems Inc., the world leader in high-speed access control, admission control and ticketing software for the…
read moreWe are Aussie Strength. The ultimate supplier for Commercial Gym Equipment that's built to deliver in the toughest environments. From USA-Built hardcore weight training equipment from Arsenal…
read moreMETRA Australia is your innovation partner for smart electronic locking, Access Control solutions and cashless payment systems to suit all types of leisure facilities. Our team’s…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!