31 May 2023
The Kimberley Round-up has made a triumphant return after more than 25 years.
NORFORCE officers ran students through some fun military drills.
One Arm Point Remote Community School (OAPRCS) re-launched the historic camp to celebrate the end of primary school for the Year 6 students.
The round-up was last held at One Arm Point in 1997.
This year’s event brought together 150 students from schools across the Kimberley region, including Wyndham District High School, Jungdranung Remote Community School, Djugerari Remote Community School, Fitzroy Valley District High School, La Grange Remote Community School, Derby District High School, Christ the King Djarindjin Lombadina, Scared Heart Beagle Bay, Holy Rosary Derby, Bayulu Remote Community School and Looma Remote Community School.
The camp started with a Welcome to Country performed by Bardi elder Violet Carter, followed by a captivating performance by the Bardi Dancers and the Djarindjin Band.
Throughout the week, students participated in various cultural and leadership activities in the local area, including a tour of the local marine life from Ardyaloon Hatchery.
Students from Looma Remote Community School at Jologo Beach.
There was also football games, mural painting and a drum beat workshop from the Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service.
OAPRCS Principal Mark Batka said after the floods in Fitzroy Valley at the start of the year, it was the right time to relaunch the initiative.
“We also thought it would be a great opportunity to start showcasing the many different communities across the Kimberley,” Mr Batka said.
“Walking around and witnessing our staff and members of our community giving their all to pull off such an event is an incredible thing to be a part of as a remote community school principal. It's something we should all be very proud of. The camp was amazing, and the week-long smiles on the faces of every single camper were a strong indication of their approval of the re-established event.”
Kimberley Round-up football game.
Samantha Morgan, who is a school attendance officer at OAPRCS, also said the camp was a huge success.
“Seeing all the kids from all over the Kimberley gathered on our school oval makes me wish that this event was held when I was a kid in school,” Ms Morgan said. “I love the feeling of seeing and hearing all the students play and socialise. Seeing them have fun and laugh with each other is one of the reasons I love working with kids and in schools.”