Published on: 28 April 2021



During the first week of April four boys in Year 11 flew to Broome and then drove the long journey to One Arm Point on the Dampier Peninsular to join the Garnduwa Foundation as part of the School’s Service in Action program (SIA).

Staying at a private campground in town, the boys ventured out everyday to take part in a number of cultural activities within the community.

The focus of the camp was leadership and culture and during their trip the boys had the opportunity to gain valuable experience in both by way of mentoring some of the local boys as well as observing the leadership of the Indigenous elders.

Year 11 student Bailey van der Struyf described the boys’ experience of immersing themselves in the community “Our days included activities such as spear making followed by spearfishing and mud-crabbing, as well as a cultural walk with traditional owner Bolo Angus. We ran a footy clinic at One Arm Point for the local primary school and enjoyed plenty of swimming in the blistering heat, and many laughs around the campfire in the evening too. On the final night we were lucky to experience a traditional indigenous dance around the campfire by Bolo and his family. The trip was an amazing opportunity for us to gain a deeper insight into Aboriginal culture in the area and to experience this breathtaking part of our country.”

Director of Service in Action Mark Tait spoke about the importance of the SIA program “These programs enable our boys to have a positive experience with Aboriginal people, rather than the negative messages they might see in the media. They experience a culture that is very different to ours, form a unique relationship with the local boys and gain an insight that is impossible to get as a normal visitor.”

Christ Church’s Service in Action (SIA) program inspires boys to achieve individual and collective excellence for others. Service opportunities each year include local, national and international experiences, such as working in remote communities.