The camp is held annually at UNE, along with camps for senior boys and junior and senior girls, and is facilitated by local Anaiwan men, Dean Widders and Dennis Moran.

As a former Parramatta Eels first grade player and coach of the Indigenous Womens’ All Stars team, Dean is keen to bring something back to his community.

“It’s a great pleasure to work with the kids, and see them develop skills that will make them great leaders in the future,” Dean said.

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Dennis Moran, also a former Parramatta Eels player and English Super League player, said: “It makes me proud to see such a strong link between the local Anaiwan community and the University in providing the leadership camps to kids of all ages.

“It is also really positive to see a large number of local Aboriginal men give their time and energy to these camps and support the kids.”

Along with Dean and Dennis, other local Anaiwan men including Clarrie Moran, Dexter Ahoy, Patrick Strong, Anthony Green, Ben Kent, Darryl Lockwood and Bruce Dennison, have mentored and supported the boys participating in the camp.

Oorala Director, Wiradjuri man, Greg Davison, expressed his appreciation to the Narwan Eels Rugby League Club for their support with the creation of the Oorala Youth Leadership Camps.

“This has been a great partnership with Narwan and the local Anaiwan community that began in 2016. The partnership between Oorala and Narwan provides the foundation for leadership to flourish, and to build meaningful development pathways for the younger generation to pursue their aspirations and life goals.”

More information about the Oorala Aboriginal Youth Leadership Camps is available at http://www.une.edu.au/info-for/indigenous-matters/oorala/high-school-students-outreach/youth-development-camps.