Clontarf: East Kimberley Academy-News: The Tiwi Trip

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Words: Cam Jackson
Photos: Cam Jackson
November 23rd, 2009

EAST KIMBERLEY YEAR 8, 9 & 10 TIWI REWARD TRIP

After a nine-hour drive to Darwin and an overnight stay at Sanderson High School, the boys were looking forward to taking the 80km ferry ride to the Tiwi Islands.
Some of the boys used this time to explore the ferry and take in the views of the Darwin Harbour, while others took the time to catch up on some sleep.

We were picked up by the barge from the Arafura Pearl and transferred to Melville Island. Here we were welcomed by Karl Gunderson, Director of the Clontarf Football Academy on Tiwi.

With the boys piled into the back of a couple of Troop carriers we made the 50km trip through tropical forest and tree plantations to Pikertaramour.

After a formal introduction to the school the boys used their free time to explore the college and familiarise themselves with the surroundings. The afternoon was then spent on the beach spearing and fishing with the Tiwi boys.

Ochre painting reaches new heights

The highlight of day two was a footy game against the Baby Bombers. The game was played in great Clontarf spirit with the Bombers showing strength in all areas.

Steven Woodhouse was named best on ground, with strong performances also by Norman Bradshaw and Dean McGinty. The rest of the afternoon was spent at the swimming hole were the boys could cool off and recover from the game.

Tiwi and Kununurra boys enjoy a conversation at the water hole

Our last morning on Melville was spent beach fishing, followed by a quick swim before heading over to Nguiu to catch the ferry back to the main land. The boys spent their last evening in Darwin late night shopping and catching up with friends at Casuarina.

Tiwi and Kununurra boys after the game