For the third consecutive year, SpiritWest Services (SWS) has been an integral partner in the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) Camp, for newly arrived youth in the City of Wyndham.

Recently, a total of 29 refugee youth (who have been in Australia for less than five years), along with seven workers and two volunteers participated in the 3-day Camp at the Brisbane Ranges National Park (VIC).  

The Camp was made possible through a collaboration of service providers in the City of Wyndham which this year included, Wyndham Council Youth Services, Werribee Police, SpiritWest Services Western Bulldogs, New Hope Foundation (Werribee Refugee Resource Centre), Country Fire Authority (Geelong CFA), Pinnacle Adventure Services and new program partners and Open Family Australia.  

The main objectives of the camp is to provide a way for new and emerging communities within the Wyndham area to grow, share each other’s culture, form new friendships and build a relationship with agencies all whilst participating in recreational activities and challenges which will increase their health and well being.

This year’s activities included a tour of the Geelong CFA, including a presentation on fire safety in the home, Open Water Learning activities at Eastern Beach (through the generous contribution of Lifesaving Victoria), abseiling, flying fox, traditional Australian bush dancing, art and music therapy, trust initiatives, as well as the infamous “Pinnacle of Terror”.   The camp activities are designed to challenge the young people’s mental and physical strengths and for them to learn about themselves as well as gain invaluable social, leadership and teamwork skills. 

At the end of March (29th - 1st April) another group will be lucky enough to participate in the 2010 Multicultural Youth Leadership Camp (previously known as the New and Emerging Communities Youth Leadership Camp). The camp, held at Lady Northcote in Rowsley is made possible through Hobsons Bay City Council, Victoria Police, Migrant Resource Centre North West, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and SpiritWest Services.

We are currently recruiting participants for this camp. We urge all young people aged between 16 - 25 years who live, work or study in Hobsons Bay to apply.  Priority will be given to those from newly arrived refugee backgrounds but referrals from young people who are interested in leadership opportunities, harmony and multiculturalism will also be welcomed.

This program will require young people to submit an application and possibly attend an interview. 

For more information on Western Bulldogs’ Youth Leadership Camps for New and Emerging Communities, please contact Kiemi Lai on 9680 6182 or kiemi.lai@westernbulldogs.com.au.  

The camp forms part of a 3-month Multicultural Youth Leadership Program in the City of Hobsons Bay.