Supported by the Sharks and the NRL as a part of the All Star Game indigenous funding, six boys living in the Sutherland Shire and attending local area high schools participated in an indigenous mentoring camp with the David Peachey Foundation.

Representatives from the Sharks and the David Peachy Foundation traveled with the six boys between the ages of 13-17 from the Kirinari Aboriginal Children’s Advancement Society to the Wiradjuri, Buranji and Ngemba country of regional New South Wales.

The Youth Mentoring camp was a five-day program where participants were able to experience the indigenous history and culture of the area.

The participants of the program received mentoring from David Peachey, Aboriginal Elder Uncle Nathan Pecklam and other program facilitators on the impact of their personal life choices, decision making and the ripple effect that making bad choices can have on an individual including youth suicide, drug and alcohol abuse and the potential of ending up in jail.

The mentors also outlined the importance to be able to say no to their friends where necessary to ensure they don’t get into any situations that have the potential to be bad or that they don’t feel comfortable in.

The participants of the program visited a number of Aboriginal sacred sites in regional NSW including Hospital Creek, Brewarrina Museum attended Fishing Trips and the site of an Aboriginal Mission. During these cultural endeavors mentors encouraged the kids to get involved in the local history and culture, encouraging them to embrace and to not be ashamed of their history.

The Camp is a significant venture for the Sharks as it not only includes a Five-day camp but involves the children receiving on-going mentoring for a further two years from representatives of the David Peachey Foundation.

The Camp was attended by former Sharks great David Peachey, Program Manager Simon Dirs and Sharks Community Program Officer and Media Coordinator George Nour.