Lessons in respect and discipline in school holiday program

Uncle Col Watego, fifth from left at back, with helpers and participants in the Bourke school holiday program. This is the closing ceremony of two weeks’ activities. At back are helpers and organisers l-r: Liz Orcher, Vana Jurotte, Monique Barker, Kayleigh Lollback, Uncle Col Watego, Uncle Phil Sullivan, Aunty Lyiata Ballangarry (seated), Cathy Lowe, Uncle Ricky Young, Rozaria Suckling and Dylan Schetor. Photo TWH

Uncle Col Watego is a familiar face in Bourke, engaging with young people to give them skills to transition into adulthood and become leaders in their community.

His program, To Reach Your Potential (TRYP) has high ideals, but Uncle Col does not back away from his commitment to the young people of Bourke.

With more than 43 years in the Defence Force, Col knows a lot about discipline, training and accountability and he has developed his Warrior training program based on the same basic values that are taught in the Australian Defence Force.

Uncle Col and his TRYP team held sessions at the Bourke High School’s Multi-Purpose Centre last week until the wrap up with a disco on Friday evening, celebrating a successful four days of activities and life lessons.

Two weeks of school holiday activities were facilitated by Maranguka – including the first week hosted by StormCo at the Bourke Memorial Swimming Pool – with many and diverse activities and meals to cater for all tastes.

Bourke Shire Council also sponsored Totem Skate on the long weekend – which taught the kids all sorts of tricks.

Acting CEO at Maranguka, Cathy Lowe said the Maranguka team would like to thank StormCo, the TRYP team, the staff of Bourke PCYC, Scott Parnaby’s team at the pool and especially Buddy Moore from CatholicCare for his unwavering support and community spirit.

“Special mention goes to the amazing effort of Liz Orcher and Monique Barker who just kept on giving. The children of Bourke benefitted from everyone’s contributions,” Cathy said, {…]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!