Brandon Smith inspires students during career boot camp

Melbourne Storm's utility player, Brandon Smith, inspired 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students during a two-day career boot camp as part of the NRL School to Work program last month.

Smith spoke about sacrifice, hard work, and commitment and shared his journey of leaving his hometown in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, and moving to Australia to play rugby league at the highest level. Melbourne Demons players Jeff Garlett and Toby Bedford also spoke about their experiences, with Garlett highlighting the resilience needed to continue playing elite football.

The School to Work program, supported by the Federal Government, uses the popularity of rugby league to encourage and support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to stay in school and transition into further study, training, or meaningful employment.

The two-day camp took place at AAMI Park and The Hub Community Centre in Darebin, with WPC Group facilitating the workshop content. Isaac Harrison, who played his didgeridoo and shared his own story, performed Acknowledgement to Country for the students from Thornbury High School and Reservoir High School.

Peter Robinson, Melbourne Storm's player welfare coordinator, conducted a yarning circle with the students to create a safe space for them to share their stories. The camp ended with a spiritual healing trail walk through the Darebin Parklands with Uncle Trevor Gallagher. Students participated in a smoking ceremony and gained hands-on knowledge of Aboriginal culture, history, and contribution, with Uncle Trevor emphasising the importance of ongoing efforts for reconciliation.