Thirteen young women from Deadly Youth, Nanga Mai Marri, and the Liverpool Opportunity Hub recently participated in a transformative Girls Leadership and Cultural Camp held at Middle Rock on the beautiful Worimi Country. The camp, themed "Unbreakable," offered a transformative experience, with activities designed to inspire resilience, leadership, and cultural pride. The participants were selected for their commitment to education and active engagement with the mentoring programs.
The journey began on Tuesday morning as the participants were picked up for the two-hour trip to Murrook Cultural Centre in Williamtown. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Uncle John Ridgeway, a respected Elder of Worimi Country. The camp opened with a traditional smoking ceremony, designed to cleanse negative energies and set a positive tone for the days ahead.
After sharing a meal, the group headed to Nelson Bay for a fun-filled afternoon of go-karting. Laughter filled the air as the girls raced around the track, bonding over the friendly competition. Later, they returned to Ingenia Holidays at Middle Rock to settle into their village houses, relax, and explore the holiday park before heading out for a special dinner together in town.
Kendelka Craigie, Deadly Youth Mentee"I’ve always hesitated to attend camps, but I'm really glad that I came. I’ve had the best time, built new friendships, and enjoyed being surrounded by the deadly mentors and learning more about my culture.”
The second day began with a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural exploration. The girls returned to Murrook Cultural Centre to participate in four hands-on activities that highlighted the rich heritage of the Worimi people. They began with beading and weaving, followed by a yarning circle where participants shared artefacts and personal stories.
A BBQ lunch provided a chance to further bond, and the afternoon featured a bushwalk, where the girls learned about local plants and their significance to Aboriginal culture. The day ended with a vibrant cultural dance, allowing the girls to fully immerse themselves in the traditions of the Worimi people.
The group visited the nearby Boat Harbour Rock Pools before returning to the camp for a BBQ dinner they prepared together. Later, the girls enjoyed a "bake-off" competition and participated in a reflective session where they shared their personal growth and insights from the camp. This open dialogue allowed participants to discuss the valuable lessons they had gained, reinforcing the camp's purpose.
The final morning began with the mentees taking responsibility for cleaning their rooms and actively helping each other pack up the cabin and the bus. This sense of responsibility not only contributed to the overall cleanliness but emphasised teamwork and cooperation.
Following the morning clean up, everyone gathered for another big breakfast. The meal was a great opportunity for participants to enjoy delicious food and share laughter, creating a warm vibe as they celebrated their last day together.
Daisy Gordon, Deadly Youth Mentor"It was wonderful to see all the girls engage, form new relationships, and step out of their comfort zones. It’s clear they’ll carry something valuable from this experience into their future."
As the camp concluded, the group packed up and embarked on the journey back to Sydney, their spirits high with memories of shared experiences and new friendships.
The Girls Leadership and Cultural Camp was a great success, providing opportunities for leadership development, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships. Each participant left with cherished memories and new skills that will support them into the future.
The Leadership and Cultural Camp was proudly supported by Ingenia Holiday Parks .
