‘Game changing’ western New South Wales pathway program sees Narromine teen Olympics bound

Callan Morse Published July 5, 2024 at 11.00am (AWST)

Sport

Narromine teenager Callum Hutchison is headed to the Paris Olympics after participating in the Rugby Creates Chances program. (Image: supplied, NSW government)

A western New South Wales teenager is heading the Paris Olympics after participating in a sport-based life skills and leadership program in the state's west.

17-year-old Callum Hutchison, hailing from Narromine, west of Dubbo, is poised to join more than 500 young people representing 36 countries at a conference at the Paris games, after participating in Rugby Creates Chances program.

Supported by NSW Rugby, the two-year program includes a 10-week Tackle Life program, which trains 14-to-17-year-old students how to develop and teach rugby union skills in primary schools, at after-school activities, and in local clubs and community centres.

After completing the program, Callum has been invited to experience a range of Olympic and Paralympic sports at the 2024 games, as well as cultural enrichment opportunities at the Festival 24 conference in Lyon and Paris.

He said he's "still pinching" himself that participating in the program has lead to him receiving an invitation to attend the Paris Olympics and the Festival 24 conference.

"Rugby Creates Chances has really opened my eyes – I never really thought of going down the sporting career track until I jumped into the program and I now plan on getting a job in sport, finishing high school and possibly going to university," Callum said.

As part of the rugby Creates Changes program, students from Western New South Wales participate in a 10-week Future Pathways program to identify their strengths, consider their careers, and participate in mock job interviews and résumé building to help them emerge from school work-ready.

Rugby Creates Chances participants Cody Rose, Temia Robinson, Shannon Rule, Callum Hutchison, Jaylin Donnelly and Talin Horstman. (Image: supplied, NSW government)

Callum said participating in the program has helped him grow into a leader in his local community.

"Since starting Rugby Creates Chances, I have learned a lot about leadership skills, how to be more independent, and how to be a role model and mentor for the younger kids and people around me," he said.

"Programs like this are important for country kids like myself because there's not as many opportunities in smaller towns, especially in sports or traineeships, and you have to travel pretty far to have a crack at trialling for things."

After completing the program, graduates such as Callum are given practical employment experience while earning a Certificate III in Sports Coaching, as well as develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and connect with their communities.

NSW Rugby will also offer five Aboriginal program graduates ongoing employment as coaches, facilitators and coordinators, with 20 additional casual coaching positions on offer to support local after-school and weekend activities.

Australian Rugby Sevens Olympian and proud Dharawal man, Maurice Longbottom said he was pleased to hear the Rugby Creates Chances program is providing an opportunity for western NSW Abporiginal youth to grow, learn and prosper.

"The Rugby Creates Chances program not only teaches kids skills about Rugby, but about resilience and leadership and preparing for the future…," Mr Longbottom said.

"Opportunities like this can be few and far between in smaller country towns, and I just love that this program is taking rugby and coaching skills on the road as part of a much bigger picture for these kids."

NSW Far West Development Manager Janalee Conroy speaking with Callum Hutchison and Shannon Rule. (Image: supplied, NSW government)

The NSW Government's Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program invested $1.5 million to support Rugby Creates Chances, with the initiative delivering a variety of school and community-based rugby and coaching programs in Narromine, Coonamble, Warren, Brewarrina and Walgett.

New South Wales Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris said he's confident Rugby Creates Chances will deliver meaningful results for young people in western NSW, while assisting in employment, training and broader social outcomes associated with Closing the Gap.

"By utilising young people's love of sport, Rugby Creates Chances offers an engaging pathway for Aboriginal youth to get active, train and upskill on Country while gaining valuable life and leadership experience," Mr Harris said.

"Alongside their Student Based Apprenticeships with NSW Rugby, the kids are getting a program with a proven track record for inspiring engagement, confidence and ensuring they emerge from school, job ready."

Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the NSW Government is improving opportunities for Aboriginal people in western New South Wales through partnership programs and the Regional Development Trust.

"I am delighted Callum will get to experience something as extraordinary as attending the Paris Olympics after his involvement in this program which has been made possible through the NSW Government's Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program," Ms Moriarty said.

"We can see how Callum and other youth are taking on new challenges, emerging as community leaders, plus practising the skill of self reflection which can influence behaviour."