Last week, 23 Indigenous students from Centralian Middle School in Alice Springs participated in a four-day Leadership camp at the Korin Gamadji Institute, ME Bank Centre, Punt Road Oval.

The camp is part of the Club’s work with community partner Dick Smith, which aims to drive education, health and leadership outcomes for Indigenous people throughout the Northern Territory.

The students participating in the camp were selected based on their school attendance, behaviour and leadership potential.

Camp activities included hip hop, indoor rock climbing, boxing, rope courses and a tour of the MCG.

Richmond players Brett O’Hanlon, Andrew Browne, along with Club nutritionist Kylie Andrew, spoke with the group about the commitment needed to play AFL football, and the importance of nutrition and health.

Joel Bowden, who grew up in Alice Springs and went on to play 253 games with Richmond, spoke to the students about his life growing up in the Territory, as well as the importance of leadership, education and setting a good example.

Another highlight for the participants was spending time with Richmond rookie-list player Gibson Turner, who grew up in remote Central Australia and Alice Springs.
Richmond’s Indigenous Engagement Co-ordinator, Luke Murray, spoke of Gibson’s impact on the participants.

“Gibbo has a great connection with the kids from Central Australia. The kids look up to him and obviously respect what he has achieved so far,” Murray said.

Later in the year, selected Richmond players will visit Alice Springs, and engage in a follow-up session with the camp participants.

“We aim to maintain engagement with all the participants who are involved in our Club’s community programs, said Richmond’s Community Manager Michael Lacy.

“It will be great to see the participants again later in the year and to review what they have experienced on the camp.”