Community Recreation Officers build capacity in Noonkanbah
Cricket is a favourite afternoon sport in Noonkanbah community.
Our Community Recreation Officers have played a pivotal role in activating Noonkanbah community throughout Term 1 with consistent programming and attendance.
Their efforts bring communities together to participate in health-based activities, promoting physical well-being, and fostering social cohesion.
These activities have not only brought community members together but have also provided avenues for young people to develop their identity, social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem.
They have also continued to contribute to our ambition to ensure equal participation between male and female sport participation in our programming.
Community Recreation Officer Trichelle at a large community sporting event in Noonkanbah.
The Community Recreation Officer (CRO) position aims to build both community and individual capacity. Our CRO’s have the opportunity to develop personally and professionally whilst simultaneously activating and creating a culture of sport participation and community connectedness.
Self-confidence through sport participation
A core focus of Community Recreation Officer delivery is encouraging young Aboriginal Indigenous people to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, instilling in them the values of self-esteem and teamwork. By promoting an active and positive lifestyle, they have played a vital role in enhancing the overall well-being of the community members, especially the youth.
Programming in Noonkanbah is promoting female sport participation so for in 2024.
Trichelle has been delivering sport and recreation in her community of Noonkabah for several years. She gave us insight into the personal significance that community activation plays for her.
“It means a lot, being someone who is a role model to Noonkanbah Kids. I enjoy running sports after school and even carnivals for kids and community. Mainly I just like trying to get community involved to be part of it with their kids and helping them to build their self-confidence.”
Co-design and self-determination
Our strategic approach to community sport participation is grounded in First Nations co-design and co-implementation. Research supports that these strategic foundations are necessary to achieve aspirations of self-determination and for community control of service delivery. Our co-design starts with the Sport and Recreation Plan, a consultative document and process that explores the strengths and aspirations of each community on a case-by-case basis.
When the Sport and Recreation plan is developed, the next key is to ensure that local residents are in control of the service delivery itself, as in the case of Noonkanbah and One Arm Point.
When local community members are at the forefront of the planning, engagement and delivery of programs; cultural safety, responsiveness and appropriateness is achieved.
We are constantly inspired by our Community Recreation Officers, who continue to dedicate their time and energy to promoting healthy and active lifestyles. And who are creating a culture of participation and connectedness within their communities.