Game development officer and 2014 John Worsfold medallist Eric Mackenzie and schools and community coordinator James Grabski recently spent three jam-packed days in Onslow, supported by Inclusion and Diversity Partner BHP.
The West Coast Eagles contingent worked closely with the Wirrpanda Foundation as well as V Swans to immerse themselves in the local community, engaging with students, staff, parents and families in the region.
Mackenzie and Grabski delivered a number of the club’s education workshops at Onslow School, including the West Coast Eagles Aboriginal Leadership Program, with a particular focus on cultural identity, goal setting and leadership development.
While many of the activities for the secondary students were classroom-based, each session culminated with some practical football skills and games on the school oval, rewarding students for their attendance and engagement within the sessions.
The Wirrpanda Foundation’s breakfast club program was a terrific opportunity for Mackenzie and Grabski to be involved in and support an important program driving significant increases in school attendance, as well as healthy lifestyles.
Mackenzie was inspired by the success of this program.
“This is a great initiative run by the Wirrpanda Foundation in Onslow,” he said.
“It was exciting to see the number of kids turn up for a healthy breakfast and then attend school, some of who mightn’t otherwise do either.”
Later that morning, Mackenzie and Grabski joined Wirrpanda Foundation program coordinator Suzanne Wilson in visiting the homes of a number of Aboriginal families in the Bindi Bindi Community and Onslow town, to promote the marquee event of the trip happening later that afternoon, ‘Onslow Sunset Footy’.
Around 50 keen young footballers and a great turn out of parents were treated to a free community football clinic delivered by the West Coast Eagles, with the support of Wirrpanda Foundation mentors Troy Cook and Josie Janz-Dawson, plus BHP staff.
“The community really bought into the clinic. It was great to see not just the kids getting involved, but the parents too. There is a lot of passion for football in Onslow and we look forward to supporting its growth,” Mackenzie said.
While the West Coast Eagles and Wirrpanda Foundation staff were hugely popular with the participants, club mascot Rick the Rock stole the show with a surprise appearance, joining in on the drills and games before posing for photos, signing autographs and leading the kids in some unique dance moves.
Wirrpanda Foundation Program Coordinator Suzanne Wilson was thrilled to have the club support the local community.
“Onslow was a buzz from the visit. The community embraced having the West Coast Eagles visit and enjoyed every minute,” Wilson said.
“James and Eric also joined us with our programs that we run here and were keen to accompany me on some home visits, which the families enjoyed and certainly surprised a few. Sunset footy was a hit.”
The three-day visit culminated in a special experience for the West Coast Eagles, Wirrpanda Foundation and BHP staff who were invited to Peedamulla Station by station owners, the Parker Family.
The group learnt of the history of the station itself, as well as the significance of the surrounding land for the local Banjima people.
Following some on-country education, the group were treated to a traditional meal of damper and kangaroo stew at the campgrounds, where the family hope to realise their objective of sharing their culture with others.
After lunch, Banjima man Preston Parker led the group to the Cane River Meeting Camp where he provided a deep insight into the culture of the Banjima people, including ceremonial practice or ‘Walingjinga’ dating back thousands of years.
Mackenzie was moved by this special insight into local Aboriginal culture.
“This was an amazing experience and I can highly recommend to anyone that has the opportunity to explore our Northwest to seek out these remarkable people to hear their stories,” he said.
