Softball Australia

Softball Australia travels to Indigenous communities

30 May 2012

In April, Softball Australia staff, Tim Hatzi (Social Inclusion Coordinator), Raelene Jeffrey (National Community Coach) and Trish Bennett (Community Coaching Program Coordinator) travelled to Hermannsburg and surrounding communities in the Northern Territory to deliver the Softball Community Coach Program (SCCP) and Softball Batter Up (SBU) initiatives to more than 1,000 Indigenous community members. The team also visited the East Arnhem communities of Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba, Ramingining, Galiwinku and Milingimbi.

The SCCP program aims to develop a network of capable coaches who can deliver a variety of Softball experiences which enhance the health and social benefits of participants. The program was delivered to more than 30 coaches, providing them with the skills required to deliver programs, such as SBU.

A number of SBU sessions were held, attracting more than 900 participants. The development of coaches in these communities is vital to ensure regular participation in Softball and with their newly developed skills, and enthusiasm of the children, Softball Australia is confident there will be ongoing, regular participation.

Tim believes the visit was important, not only to deliver the SCCP, but to establish relationships within the communities. A highlight of the visit was the reformed Galiwinku women’s Softball team. The team have started training and are looking forward to competing in local competitions against Milingimbi and other community teams. Teams competing in community competitions are invited to participate in the NT Softball Championships held in Darwin.

Softball Australia would like to thank Softball NT, in particular Tania Liddle and Carrie-Anne Garling for organising the tour with the communities and for assisting Softball Australia staff on tour.