INDIGENOUS KIDS GET A TASTE OF SURF LIFE ON THE COAST
January 31, 2012: It’s a far cry from Coonamble in north western NSW to picturesque Currumbin but for 40 Indigenous kids this week’s trip to the Gold Coast could well be life changing.
The kids (aged 14-19 years) from outback NSW are part of the “Surf’s Up – Indigenous Water Safety Program” – designed to teach kids in the bush all about water safety skills.
And who better to do that than a team of Gold Coast lifesavers, the stars of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and Gold Coast lifeguards (Media opportunity, Currumbin SLSC, Friday, Feb 3, 9am –see below).
The trip to the Currumbin Vikings SLSC – now a sister club with Coonamble - is a reward for the best youngsters who have participated in the pilot scheme to gain their first aid certificate, resuscitation certificate, bronze medallion, water and surf skills and AustSwim Certificates.
A bus from Coonamble will collect other kids from Walgett, Mungindi, Gulargambone & Goodooga and transport them to the Gold Coast tomorrow.
And this Friday, February 3, at Currumbin the youngsters will get the opportunity to meet some of the stars of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series when they get a tour of the Surf Club.
The trip will also include various activities, including an invitation to Saturday night’s Indigenous All Stars NRL Game at Skilled Park.
Program co-ordinator, former Australian Surf Life Saving Head Coach and two-time Australian Champion Lifesaver Brett Dowker, said the week will be a real eye-opener for the 40 youngsters from the Coonamble district.
“They can’t wait. It is going to be a week they will never forget,” said Dowker, who has been one of the driving forces behind the program which included transporting surf lifesaving equipment to Coonamble.
“Together with surf clubs from Currumbin, Tweed Heads-Coolangatta, Freshwater, Manly and Dickies Beach, we provided a gear trailer packed with boards and skis for use in their rivers and weirs.
“We are so excited with the response and can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces. It could well be a week that will change their lives and save lives in their own communities.”
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Who: 40 Indigenous kids from Coonamble, Walgett and Mungindi
With: Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Stars
What: Surf’s Up – Indigenous Water Safety Program
When: 9am, Friday, February 3.
Where: Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Contact: Brett Dowker - Super Surf Camps Director (0402) 817 152
The kids (aged 14-19 years) from outback NSW are part of the “Surf’s Up – Indigenous Water Safety Program” – designed to teach kids in the bush all about water safety skills.
And who better to do that than a team of Gold Coast lifesavers, the stars of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and Gold Coast lifeguards (Media opportunity, Currumbin SLSC, Friday, Feb 3, 9am –see below).
The trip to the Currumbin Vikings SLSC – now a sister club with Coonamble - is a reward for the best youngsters who have participated in the pilot scheme to gain their first aid certificate, resuscitation certificate, bronze medallion, water and surf skills and AustSwim Certificates.
A bus from Coonamble will collect other kids from Walgett, Mungindi, Gulargambone & Goodooga and transport them to the Gold Coast tomorrow.
And this Friday, February 3, at Currumbin the youngsters will get the opportunity to meet some of the stars of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series when they get a tour of the Surf Club.
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Program co-ordinator, former Australian Surf Life Saving Head Coach and two-time Australian Champion Lifesaver Brett Dowker, said the week will be a real eye-opener for the 40 youngsters from the Coonamble district.
“They can’t wait. It is going to be a week they will never forget,” said Dowker, who has been one of the driving forces behind the program which included transporting surf lifesaving equipment to Coonamble.
“Together with surf clubs from Currumbin, Tweed Heads-Coolangatta, Freshwater, Manly and Dickies Beach, we provided a gear trailer packed with boards and skis for use in their rivers and weirs.
“We are so excited with the response and can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces. It could well be a week that will change their lives and save lives in their own communities.”
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Who: 40 Indigenous kids from Coonamble, Walgett and Mungindi
With: Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Stars
What: Surf’s Up – Indigenous Water Safety Program
When: 9am, Friday, February 3.
Where: Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Contact: Brett Dowker - Super Surf Camps Director (0402) 817 152