Recently a group of DSG students from Perth, Geraldton and Broome came together for a Leadership camp in Broome. Joined by Tahlina from Echo + Impact and Holly from West Coast Eagles Community Team, it was a great week of connection, culture, fun and empowerment!
The girls took part in various activities throughout the week such as swimming, fishing, playing footy, cultural immersion, inspirational talks with local First Nations leaders and exploring Broome.
On the first day, once everyone arrived in Broome, the team set off on a tour led by Jaden and Raphael from Bunda Bunda Tours. DSG staff and students followed along as we drove through the beautiful coastal country of the Dampier Peninsula. After a 2 hour drive north, on an unsealed red dirt road we arrived at our spot on Minarri Beach. Rock pools filled with crystal blue water and white sand. Jaden showed the girls around and told cultural stories of the land, including traditional hunter gatherer techniques. Everyone then had the chance to have a go at hands-on line fishing after a demonstration from Jaden and Raphael.
After a few hours of fishing, swimming, exploring and some lunch,it was time to head back to Broome for dinner and a relaxing evening.
The next day the students arrived at the Nyamba Buru Yawuru centre for some cultural, immersion. They were greeted by Yawura man, Bart Pirgam, who gave students a tour of the centre and described some of the important figures for the Yawuru people that were on display around the centre. He then showed us a plant, in Yawuru language called ‘Lirrirngirn’ which the Yawuru people traditionally used for soap by crushing the tree leaves and adding water. Some of the even had a go students and tried it themselves.
They were then greeted by Aunty Coco, who shared her knowledge of the Yawuru language and the skin groups within. The girls learnt songs Baby Shark and Head & Shoulders in language.
They also had a special guest Divina D’anna, as strong Yawuru, Nimanburr, and Bardi woman who is the representative of Kimberly region in the Parliament of Western Australia. She spoke to the girls about her journey and how she balances her life with family, culture and the political position she holds.
After a short break the girls were taken to St Mary’s College oval in preparation for the DSG AFL Exhibition match, students verse staff. It was a great game with plenty of skill on show, and lots of laughs and energy. The competition between teams was about even and slowly more community came to the oval to give it a go. It was a great afternoon for all involved and as the sun started to set, the students packed up and began getting ready for dinner at the Mangrove hotel.
The next day the students had some time exploring Broome. They got to see some exciting tourist spots including Chinatown, Streeters Jetty, Town Beach, Gantheaume Point and the Boulevard. It was then time to head to the airport and jump on the plane back to Perth.
A big thank you to Strong Mind Strong Spirit for supporting this camp!
Our DSG program holds events like Broome Leadership camp, to encourage connection with students across our schools. We focus on building self-esteem and confidence, pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, and building relationships based on mutual respect.
Deadly Sista Girlz is a holistic education, empowerment and healthy lifestyle program for Indigenous girls operating in 18 schools across Australia. DSG is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with support from corporate partners. Find out more.
