Six girls in care and their steadfast case workers have braved the freezing wilds of the State’s far north to take part in a journey of self-discovery.
The girls aged 12 to 16 ventured on the outback trek with Operation Flinders, which conducts remote adventure programs for young people with challenging backgrounds.
The program is designed to build self-esteem, self-confidence and responsibility.
The two caseworkers Brianna Do and Razieh Mohammadi from the Department for Child Protection’s Woodville office, accompanied the girls along with three support staff from Operation Flinders.
Brianna said it wasn’t only the young girls who benefited.
“It was definitely hard at times but we got through it together,” She said.
“Encouraging one another through the cold nights sleeping under the stars, the annoying flies and prickles, carrying our heavy backpacks that were bigger than half the size of our bodies and walking many kilometres with them.”
Normally the adventure lasts eight days and participants can hike up to 100km.
But Brianna said conditions got so difficult the team had to be evacuated from the region, under the threat of wild storms and flooding.
The girls, who had to forsake their phones on the trip, weren’t deterred though.
“Some of them have expressed interest in the next step program where they have the opportunity to do the trek again, but as part of the leadership team,” she said.
Brianna said it was hoped a boys group could take the trip next time, and that some had already expressed interest.
During the trip, the girls met Adnyamathanha families to learn more about Aboriginal culture.
They also made damper, dined on kangaroo stew for the first time, climbed mountains and celebrated with chocolate cake.
Razieh agreed it was an experience to remember.
“Seeing the resilience and the bravery the girls demonstrated throughout the exercise was a very proud moment,” Razieh said.
“It was great to see how much they bonded and worked together.
“This opportunity allowed not only our young people but also the support staff to get out of our comfort zones and be a part of this amazing opportunity.”
The trip was funded by a sponsorship from the Karen Fitzgerald Fund, which raises money for the care and protection of children and young people.