Students were put through their paces across a range of activities, from wade races and beach flags to board and tube rescues. Along the way, they worked together and practised their decision-making, developing skills central to both surf lifesaving and their personal growth.
SeaLink’s Sales and Marketing Manager Cassie Mendo said the Island Big Day Out had become a special occasion for everyone involved.
“Each year, we look forward to welcoming the NRL Cowboys House students aboard and sharing a side of Magnetic Island that is active, educational and full of new experiences,” Ms Mendo said.
“The students throw themselves into every challenge, whether they are racing along the sand, learning how to use rescue equipment or encouraging their friends through an activity. Importantly, the day also introduces them to the people and opportunities behind surf lifesaving, showing how the skills they develop on the beach can become a way to serve their communities.
“Together with the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club, we’re proud to create a day that rewards the students for their efforts throughout the year while giving them practical knowledge they can carry well beyond the island.”
Managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, NRL Cowboys House provides a home away from home for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending secondary school in Townsville.
Its award-winning wraparound model of care brings together education, wellbeing, cultural connection, career transition and Year 13 support, alongside experiences that help students recognise their strengths and prepare for life beyond school.
The annual Island Big Day Out recognises boarders who have demonstrated dedication to their schoolwork or personal growth during the year.
Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club President Paul Chappell said welcoming young people into the club environment could broaden their understanding of the roles they might play in their own communities.
“Surf lifesaving relies on people working together, looking out for one another and being ready to respond when someone needs help,” Mr Chappell said.
“The students brought plenty of energy and competitiveness to the beach, but they also listened carefully, supported each other and approached the rescue activities as a team.
“Days like this can show young people that surf lifesaving is about much more than competing, including providing a meaningful way to become involved in their community.”
For students with strong connections to coastal and island communities, the experience also carried special meaning.
“NRL Cowboys House is home to students from communities across regional and remote Queensland, including the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, where the ocean is deeply connected to everyday life,” NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones said.
“This day gives students the opportunity to build confidence around the water, learn from experienced surf lifesavers and see how those skills can be used to protect and support others.
“That opportunity to discover what they are capable of is an important part of our work, and we are extremely grateful to SeaLink North Queensland and the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club for continuing to make this experience possible.”
The students finished the day with a barbecue lunch alongside SeaLink team members before returning to Townsville with new skills and a broader understanding of how they could contribute to the safety and wellbeing of their communities.
