A Team Approach Wins

Partnerships. Teamwork. The power of two.
You cannot do without them. Just ask some of the adults and adolescents who reside in remote communities in WA and the Northern Territory.
The partnership they are benefitting from is the team of Sports Challenge and the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation.
Promoting healthy behaviours in people living in “the outback” is their aim – and they are doing it well.
Two years ago the two good-willed bodies came together. And haven’t they made some very significant mileage.
We all know what Sports Challenge stands for. The goal of AERF is to encourage responsible consumption of alcohol and emphasise the danger of substance abuse.
The programs run by the Foundation will assist individuals and organisations in many areas – including education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
SCA CEO Dr Garry Tester said the “on-ground” delivery of the project in the Fitzroy Valley and Halls Creek areas of WA and Katherine and Timber Creek in the NT had started much better than could have been planned.
“It’s all got to do with stakeholder ownership,” Dr Tester said. “It is about empowering people to take control of their own situations.
“This was achieved by meeting with principals and staff of schools, Aboriginal liaison officers and family members. We had to establish a long-term commitment.
“The enthusiasm and impact of the first programs into each area has been remarkable. The more isolated a community has been the higher the motivation and commitment of people wanting to make it positive.
“People have wanted to learn for their young ones.
“The ugly undertow of dysfunctional communities in larger towns like Fitzroy Crossing and Katherine – where there are many social problems – has allowed us to engage and manage stakeholders while negotiating change.
“In the early days we have seen about 450 children – 200 of these which are Aboriginal – aged between six and 17 years.
“They are being taught – and highly receptive to – preparation for life skills.
“The wide experience of our mentors in selecting children and programs and knowing what to do and what to say has been a major reason why this is working.
“We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with AERF.”