Wests Tigers have partnered with the Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC) to deliver the "Get Out, Get Deadly" program at Cobham Youth Justice Centre.
The Cobham Youth Justice Centre is the principle remand centre in New South Wales for males aged 15 years and over with Wests Tigers delivering a strong rugby league component of the program, which has been run at Cobham since July, 2018.
Covering a number of topics, the program specifically touches on making healthy decisions and positive choices on and off the field as well as the importance of staying physically active. It was developed in response to the alarmingly high rates of Indigenous incarceration in Australia, especially in the juvenile justice system.
The program aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees in Juvenile Justice Centres an opportunity for capacity building, improve individual social and emotional wellbeing through cultural connection strengthening and gain support for post release linkages. Additionally, these sessions aim to promote personal development and build skills through cultural education and activities.
The program is designed to run over six weeks, with each week focussing on a different topic.
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation Aboriginal Ability Linker Gary Dixon commented on the progress Wests Tigers have made with the program.
"Wests Tigers have been supporting the Get Out, Get Deadly program in 2019 by delivering footy skills and education for the program's health and fitness session," Dixon said. "Wests Tigers have delivered eight sessions, and have been successful in building and maintaining meaningful connections with the Indigenous boys.
"These have been culturally appropriate and rewarding for the participants and staff involved, and the Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation are very pleased to be working with the Wests Tigers for the Get Out, Get Deadly program.
"We're excited to continue working together to inspire positive outcomes for Indigenous youth in 2020."
