Rotary is rich in youth programs but one struggles to find a specific program that addresses marginalised Indigenous Youth. However, if anyone drops into Bundaberg in the September school holidays that’s exactly what they will find! Rod Medew

Rod Medew

Ask any Rotarian what youth programs are available and inevitably the acronyms – RYLA, RYPEN, YEP will be mentioned, lesser but equally valuable programs such as RAIC and NYSF may also be mentioned. . Nestled 15 kilometres from Bundaberg is Wyper Park, which is where the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Central operates its Indigenous Youth camp for marginalised Indigenous Youth, aged between 13-17.

The camp is 5 days in duration and has been running for 5 years. Indigenous youth are sourced from Indigenous programs, with the assistance of Indigenous organisations such as the Port Curtis Coral Coast Corporation (responsible for administering the native title in Bundaberg).

 This year 18 young Indigenous youth attended the camp. The program was facilitated by Rod Medew (Program Manager), Mike Hiosan( President), Ian Mylrea ( Community Services), Larry Slattery (Mackay) and Cathy Zanella (inter alia The voice of Reason ). These people stayed on site for the duration of the camp. The team was augmented by other Rotarians during the day and for the evening meal.

The goals of the camp include encouraging participants to gain an understanding and appreciation of their natural environment; to have fun and explore activities that challenge their comfort zone; to build individual character, confidence and self esteem through workshops and leadership activities; and to provide a better understanding of Aboriginal culture.

The above goals are achieved through three main themes – Leadership, Lifestyle workshops and Cultural activities.

This year activities and workshops included, mental health, hygiene, abseiling, a talk by Bundaberg Police Liaison Officer, how to apply for a job, cooking, laser skirmish, science and a talk from a Director of the Canterbury Bulldogs. At night the Elders led a campfire session, teaching youth how to make boomerangs and other Indigenous hunting objects. Wednesday night was special, with the Elders cooking traditional tucker – Emu, Kangaroo, Turtle and Dugong!

Thursday night is always special and this year we hosted a concert with sing/songwriter Kelly Bruhaha, who generously held a workshop with the ABC and the youth in the afternoon.

The camp is scattered with other programs all challenging the youth. It’s a lot of work and exhausting but worth it. Many of you will be familiar with the backpacks the club distributes to homeless men full of toiletries. At this camp we had the participants pack the backpacks, so they were involved in a community activity and understand some of the problems in Bundaberg. When the youth tell me they don’t want the camp to end,  you know you have done something right!!

For further information contact Rod Medew at Bundaberg Central: romed22@iinet.net.au