School going for Army fun

Geared up: A vision of the future for a visitor to Indigenous Kids Activity Day. Photo by Cpl Crissy Williams

By Maj John McPherson

A VISIT to the Army was enough to encourage 60 indigenous kids from isolated communities to attend school regularly.

1 Bde’s second annual Indigenous Kids Activity Day, the idea of Commander Brig John Cantwell, linked school attendance rates with participation in the activity day.

Brig Cantwell said community elders strongly supported using this as a prerequisite to encourage kids to strive for something that could be a life-changing experience.

The brigadier said it was a good opportunity for the kids to have a break from their normal everyday environment.

Last year the boys and girls came from communities on Bathurst Island, Daly River and Port Keats (Wadeye) while this year, in addition to those communities, they came from Croker Island, South Goulburn Island and Maningrida.

“Last year the kids came from three communities but this year we’ve been able to spread the enjoyment between six communities,” Brig Cantwell said.

“This year’s plan was for a group of up to 10 kids from each community, aged between 13 and 17, to experience a range of simple, fun, low-cost, low-risk activities.”

“Two adult supervisors and a Norforce soldier from each community helped us manage the kids.”

Activities included a movie, obstacle courses and ball games, visits to units and mascots, a flying display from 161 Recce Sqn, viewing and riding tanks, ASLAVs, APCs and trucks and a visit to Norforce.

The day concluded with a twilight Aussie Rules game under lights – kids against soldiers which the kids won – and a barbecue dinner.

Brig Cantwell said he was extremely grateful for assistance provided by 38 Sqn which flew the kids to and from Darwin.

“It was a terrific day for all concerned,” Brig Cantwell said.