Yipirinya Program

In July 2024, the Rotary Club of Gloucester hosted four students from Yipirinya School in Alice Springs. The boys spent 10 days exploring Gloucester and the surrounding areas, visiting vocational, cultural and educational places. We hope this trip will help them along their life’s journey and remind them that Life gives opportunities and they’ll always have choices.

“A recent initiative by Gloucester Rotary Club NSW and the Yipirinya School offered our young men a transformative opportunity to explore life beyond their hometown. This trip, detailed in “Life Gives Opportunities – I Have Choices,” was designed to broaden their horizons and build their confidence by showcasing a range of experiences outside their normal life.

The journey began as students Shaun, Gilbert, Joseph, and Nathaniel were led by trip organiser and teacher Mr. Shihab Abdul Rahman. The first two days of the Yipirinya School’s trip were marked by group bonding and meaningful community interactions. Hosted by the Forster Surf Life Saving Club, the students experienced the ocean for the first time, participated in an IRB mock rescue, and explored the Tuncurry Fish Co-op. Greg, the manager, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the operations, and the students sampled local prawns, sparking a huge range of reactions.

The adventure continued with a boat trip along Forster’s waterways, generously donated by Valley Industries and coordinated by Midcoast Rotary, despite the windy conditions. On Saturday, the students engaged in soccer matches with the local junior team from Gloucester High School, forging strong friendships that lasted throughout the visit.

Vocational visits included Radio 2RE Taree, Stebercraft Industries, Valley Industries in Taree, and Drifta Kitchens in Gloucester. Cultural experiences were enriched by visits with Pastor Elder Russell Saunders in Taree and a tour of the Shark Gallery.

The hospitality of Gloucester High School’s executive and students was exceptional. They actively involved the Yipirinya boys in sports, music, art, and woodworking activities. The Gloucester community spirit was evident, with the Quota Ladies providing breakfasts at the CWA Hall and numerous volunteers preparing evening meals and lunches.

The Men’s Shed workshop was a particular highlight, with students engaging in welding, woodworking, and electronic disassembly. The Bowdens Concert offered a powerful and heartfelt acoustic performance for 80 supporters and the team, providing inspiration through their emotional songs.

Evening entertainment was rounded out with table sports and a lively session with “Tinks” Everett and Pat the Balloon Artist. Overall, the trip was a resounding success, filled with enriching experiences and strong community connections.

The impact of this journey was profound. The students returned to Alice Springs with a renewed sense of purpose and belief in their potential. They learned that their dreams could extend beyond their hometown and that they have the power to shape their futures. The excitement surrounding the continuation of this opportunity is large, as Gloucester Rotary plans follow-up visits and ongoing Zoom meetings to reinforce their commitment to long-term, meaningful change.

Yipirinya would like to extend a massive thank you to our amazing teacher Mr. Shihab Abdul Rahman, Gloucester Rotary Club NSW, and all the organisations that played a part in forming a fantastic transformative trip for our boys.”