We had a full schedule planned for our three-day trip ensuring that we were able to take in as much of Katherine as we could. It was filled with a range of activities, including visiting the local high school, clinics with the kids, involvement with the local Big River Hawks Football Club, a cultural tour of the Katherine Gorge and a special dinner with Cyril Rioli’s family back up in Darwin.

Across the course of the trip we were able to gain a small insight into the lives of those in the town. The stories that we learnt about could easily make a brilliant Hollywood movie. They live in some of the harshest conditions our country has to offer with the scorching sun, extreme humidity and torrential rain. Along with the remote nature of the town, they are somewhat isolated and restricted with resources and opportunities. Despite all of this and likely much more, there is little that the people of Katherine complain about.

Their bubbling personalities and genuine happiness was infectious, and it was hard not to take on the energy and enthusiasm of so many of the people we met. We spent time meeting lots of different kids, from varied backgrounds and situations, and all of them bonded with us in some way. We were brought together by the game of football and whilst there were swarms of kids vying for a selfie with Cyril everywhere we went, they were just simply excited to show off their skills to the group and were completely engaged in just playing the game.

Gallery: Katherine Community Camp

Sport is such an important activity for Katherine. For many of these kids, this is the only opportunity they have to be involved in a structured program that takes them out of their everyday lives. We were able to meet the players from the local football club - Big River Hawks. With only one team available to play in, the kids have limited pathways and minimal resources to assist in their football development. They have learnt to teach themselves and use what they have to be out on the field. What they do have though is the result of an incredibly dedicated group of people that put in countless hours to ensure that they have an opportunity to play football. There is much sacrifice, care and love amongst this group and it’s something that money cannot buy. The rewards are reaped, not only when those kids take to the ground but more importantly when they take on the real world armed with not only the skills of footy but the values that come with being in a team - discipline, hard work and commitment.

For me this trip was such an eye-opening experience to understanding a different life and culture than what I am used to. It was invigorating to see so much joy amongst those kids and to see how football and sport brings so many people together. This town is a living example of how sport can change lives. We all love the game of football, whether it’s playing or watching our favourite team take to the ground, we’re all passionate about this game in some way. But when I look at what footy, or just sport in general means to the people of Katherine, it’s more than that. It’s about hope, support, family and the opportunity to change lives.

All of Hawthorn’s Indigenous Programs are made possible with the wonderful support of the Epic Good Foundation.