The Rumbalara Football Netball Club is committed to a vision for the future of indigenous people.
Finance manager Kylie Briggs said Rumba had always been more than just a football netball club; it was also a vibrant hub for practical and positive social change.
“The game has changed but in terms of the club and what we try to do that goal is still the same,” Kylie said. “There has been a lot of community development work that has gone on off the field to be able to help empower our people and that has been through a whole range of different initiatives.”
“Health, education, mentoring and leadership, it’s really been a holistic view to how you can inspire a community.”
Rumbalara started as a youth suicide prevention program using sport as the model to tackle a range of issues including school retention, violence and substance abuse. It is currently involved in the Algabonyah Employment Partnerships working with mainstream businesses for two per cent parity in employment, the Parent Next program helping long-term unemployed parents get work-ready, and a homework club.
Kylie said these programs were for the wider community, not just those who played with the club. “You have your captive audience here, people vote with their feet, it’s not because you have to come here but because you want to be a part of it,” she said.
