Four NRL Cowboys House students recently returned from a discovery tour in Weipa which opened their eyes to career opportunities available in the region.
The initiative was funded by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and supported by Sodexo, which provided accommodation and transport.
The three-day journey gave Year 11 students from remote communities - Dallas Darby (Mornington Island), Joseph Sam (Saibai Island), Denzel Daniels-Misi (Thursday Island), and Domarian (Zecky) Doolah (Old Mapoon) - the chance to connect with local businesses and explore employment opportunities closer to home.
The familiarisation trip included:
- A marine-side tour of NQBP’s Weipa port operations
- Behind-the-scenes visits to Sodexo, Rio Tinto, Evolution Mining, and Junction Engineering
- Engagement with Indigenous-owned businesses and local employers committed to training and development
NRL Cowboys House Career Transitions Officer Derek Reston said the experience was transformative.
“This trip was a fantastic, interactive way to help these young men with their personal growth, bring them out of their shells and show them the possibilities beyond school.,” Derek said.
“They shared memorable experiences, learned about the types of jobs available in the area and made strong, new connections with employers and industries. It was also a chance for them to reconnect with family and get out on Country where possible, and the boys have all said it was a trip of a lifetime.”
Career Transition Officer Derek Reston with Denzel, Joseph, Dallas and Zecky during their Sodexo site tour
Derek and the boys went behind the scenes at Sodexo and found the cold room lived up to its name
For students like Zecky Doolah, the trip was both exciting and eye-opening.
“We learned a lot and never realised how much work there is up in Weipa. It’s surprising how many career opportunities there are closer to our communities and families,” he said.
NQBP Indigenous Program Manager Julie Keane said the collaboration aligned with NQBP’s commitment to supporting education and career pathways for Indigenous youth.
“As part of NQBP’s Indigenous Program, we are always looking for opportunities to support education pathways and career opportunities for young Indigenous people,” she said.
“Working together with NRL Cowboys House and local businesses gives us the ability to optimise benefits for the students and create opportunities and connections they may not have had access to otherwise. These events broaden horizons and encourage students to explore their future potential.”
Junction Engineering Group
Mission River Bridge
NRL Cowboys House provides a home-away-from-home for over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities, removing geographical barriers to secondary education and creating pathways to further education, training, and employment.
For more information visit www.cowboysfoundation.org.au
