Jigalong kids take part in Amazing Race

7 February 2022

Children at Jigalong pool taking part in an activity on the grassDuring the recent school holidays children in the Pilbara town of Jigalong were treated to a special holiday activity program at our Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool and right around the town. The program ran in the last week of January and was enjoyed by over 80 Martu children.

Each day the children were treated to healthy meals, basketball, football, softball, swimming, painting, cooking, hunting, and visiting historical landmarks. On the final day of the program, Royal Life Saving WA Pool Manager, Deb Gill, assisted Ngurra Kujungka in conjunction with Jigalong Youth & Culture Centre with their end to school holiday activity Jigalong - Amazing Race.Jiglong kids standing by a car in the desert

Jigalong kids with Pool Manager Deb Gill in the general storeThis fun activity saw the kids split into groups and given clues to locations where they had to complete challenges, or do a task. There was even a treasure map with treasure hidden around. The event gave the children an opportunity to learn about old Jigalong and old Jigalong Cattle Station, how to treat a snake bite and much more.

Ada from the Jigalong Youth and Community Centre says it was a fantastic event, made possible through lots of community involvement. “This was a great way to end an awesome week where Ngurra Kujungka were in community facilitating a range of activities. We can’t wait to see them next school holidays, thanks for visiting Demi and Nixon. Another thank you goes out to Deb, Pool Manager with Royal Life Saving Society WA, and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Services Environmental Health Officer Chris for participating too.”Jigalong children eating lunch on the grass by the pool

The whole school holiday program would also not have been possible without the amazing efforts of Ngurra Kujungka recreational officers Lloyd Patch, Janissa Booth, Larissa Booth, Shannon Kelly, Josie Kelly and Rosemary Kelly who worked extremely hard and continued to make some amazing connections with the community!

Royal Life Saving WA’s work through the Jigalong Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool is made possible thanks to support from Department of Communities, with additional support provided by Principal Community Partner BHP.