Building courage and confidence for Tweed’s Aboriginal children

For the past two years NNSWLHD’s Health Promotion team and We Care NSW have worked together to bring culturally grounded physical activity and nutrition initiatives to Aboriginal children and their families in the Tweed area.

At the centre of this partnership is We Care’s Cultural Advisor, Kristin Heard, a proud Wonnarua woman with deep ties to Bundjalung Country.

“I’ve been up here for 17 years now on Bundjalung Country. My kids have grown up here and were born on Bundjalung. But I was born and raised in Wonnarua.” Kristin said.

Leah Callaghan, Health Promotion Officer Go4Fun Programs, has partnered with We Care to deliver Go4Fun and to grow new programs that support children beyond the formal sessions. One of these is Matung Wannay, meaning courageous children in Wonnarua.

“From the Go4Fun program we created the Matung Wannay program as an after-school program to support kids with the main goal being to provide a physical activity option, with a little bit of health education sprinkled in.” Leah said.

“Once Go4Fun finished, we wanted to give the kids who loved it something else to keep them going.”

“Working with WeCare has been fantastic. Kristin brings deep cultural knowledge and strong community relationships, and that is what makes these programs meaningful and safe for young people.”

Running across three terms last year, Matung Wannay reached primary school children through fun and structured activities. Held straight after school, it encouraged movement, coordination and balance while also involving parents in practical learning sessions.

Guest speakers included PCYC representatives speaking about values and behaviour in community, Health Promotion nutritionist Grace Kline running healthy lunchbox workshops and a Centaur Public School educator teaching Indigenous games. Sessions also covered vaping, cyber safety and ways to support children as they grow.

Between 15 and 20 children attended each week, with registrations capped at 20 to keep it personal.

“I love connecting and mentoring the kids, watching them grow. Being a mentor is important to me culturally. I want to support them and help them grow in community,” Kristin said.

“Parents came to me with questions about screen time, sleep or NDIS support and I could guide them in the right direction.”

 Girls in Sport program 

This year Matung Wannay was paused to deliver the Girls in Soccer program in partnership with Health Promotion, We Care and Tweed United Soccer Club. This initiative responded to a known drop in girls’ participation in organised sport as they approach adolescence.

“We know there is a significant drop off in girls’ participation in sport as they approach their teenage years. The Girls in Sport program is about creating supportive spaces where girls feel confident, welcomed and connected,” Leah said.

Across four evenings over two weeks, more than 50 girls registered. Coaches from Tweed United volunteered their time, supported by older players who guided shy participants through drills and skills sessions.

A nutrition component delivered by Grace Kline helped the girls and their parents understand how to fuel their bodies and read food labels. Many participants have now registered to play soccer this season.

“It helped them get a feel for the sport in a comfortable environment. Some girls don’t feel confident going to mixed come and try days. Making it all girls meant they felt safe to have a go,” Kristin said.

“We included health yarn ups for carers, parents and girls to reinforce healthy eating habits and discuss the best way to support the girls stay engaged with sport. Leah continued.

Kristin’s motivation remains simple. “I want kids to feel safe, supported and proud. Giving them a place to yarn, move their bodies and have a good feed after activities means a lot.”

“And they always love the healthy snacks and fruit platters I bring.”

“Having more than 50 girls register is a really positive sign. We reached new families who had never been part of a sports club before, and that shows there is a strong need for these opportunities.”