Isiah Wuruki, a proud young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man with family connections with the Palyku people of Nullagine, Nyikina people of Derby and Yam and Boigu Islands in the Torres Strait, is taking great strides in his study and his rugby.
The Year 10 student was recently named NAIDOC Perth's Sportsperson of the Year for his achievements on the rugby field.
First named on the state rugby squad in 2019 whilst living in his home town Port Hedland, Isiah moved to Perth to attend Guildford Grammar. The past 12 months has seen selection to five state title teams in both junior and senior competitions playing touch football and rugby league, even being selected as most valuable player in his open senior mixed team. Three national competitions took him to Brisbane, Wagga Wagga, and Coffs Harbour.
Isiah is attending his boarding school through a MADALAH scholarship fully supported by Fortescue.
He told National Indigenous Times receiving the NAIDOC Award was a great honour.
"My mum, all thanks to mum, nominated me. I never thought I would have received that award. She told me I had been nominated and I was really excited to go. When I went there on the night, I was excited and passionate about it, and when I got called up, I was so proud, not just of myself but my family for all the work they've put in, and my dad giving me that talent from his genes, it was so good," he said.
He had high praise for his experience at school.
"It has been really good actually, my mentor has been helping me out, and in the boarding community in particular there are boarders helping me out. It has been really good for my education, and sports-wise as well, Isiah said.
"The scholarship has been really good. MADALAH is with us, helping us, keeping us on track, checking in with us to see how we are doing."
Isiah is a long way from home but adapting well.
"In my first year here, year 7, I was really nervous to come to boarding school. Since then, the boarding community has been really helpful, I have not been homesick once because the students have been great the whole journey. But, I always miss mum and dad."
He has plans for a professional rugby career, but added he has a contingency plan.
"I will try to work at Fortescue and get a career pathway there," he said.
Fortescue's General Manager First Nations, Rosli Wheelock, told National Indigenous Times the company is proud to support MADALAH.
"It's great to see students like Isiah excel in their chosen field. Winning the 2023 Naidoc Sport Award is an awesome achievement," he said.
