Waalitj Boys Light Up Optus Stadium

Our Waalitj Boys from Clontarf Aboriginal College took on Seda College in the Curtain Raiser Match at Optus Stadium before the West Coast Eagles faced the Fremantle Dockers.

Unfortunately, Seda College was the stronger team on the day, however the boys fought hard all game and showed a lot of skill.

Delivered by strong First Nations role models, Waalitj Boys is a culturally appropriate mentoring program which aims to improve engagement and school attendance amongst First Nations boys aged 12-18 years.

Waalitj Boys works to build the capacity amongst participants, providing them with the tools to make positive life choices across health, education, and employment.

Waalitj Boys Program Coordinator, and former AFL Player, Garth Taylor, recognised the importance of providing a range of engagement opportunities for program participants.

“Opportunities like this really reinforce the power of sport as a vehicle for both personal and physical development.

“To run out on to a ground like Optus Stadium is a dream come true for a lot of our boys, and I know it is something they will never forget.”

Through a combination of mentoring support, sport activities and educational sessions, Waalitj Boys covers a range of themes including personal health and hygiene, physical fitness, positive self-image and self-esteem, cultural identity, solid connections, leadership skills, and developing career goals and pathways. Mentors offer a safe and stable environment where boys are empowered to make positive choices for their health and futures. Waalitj Boys participants benefit from having trusted mentors present and available on the school grounds, helping to build routine, encourage better relationships with the wider community, and achieve their goals.