THE Bowraville Memorial Cup is a sporting event funded by Aboriginal Affairs NSW and coordinated by Jaanymili Bawrrungga in close partnership with Bowraville School in memory of Clinton Speedy-Duroux, Evelyn Greenup and Colleen Walker-Craig.

The event was hosted at Hennessy Tape Oval in Bowraville over two days, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 November 2022.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“The event attracts over 1000 students from fourteen schools from the Nambucca Valley and along the Mid North Coast,” Megan Cochrane, Community Liaison Officer, Bowraville Central School.

“The event is an opportunity for healing and connecting community along with providing social, emotional wellbeing support for families and bringing young people together through sport.”

The Bowraville Memorial Cup is currently funded by Aboriginal Affairs NSW under Cultural Grants and also strongly supported by the Galambila Aboriginal Health Service’s ‘Ready Mob’ Team.

All students who competed in the touch football and basketball received a commemorative T-shirt funded by Ready Mob/Galambila and designed by the families of Clinton, Evelyn and Colleen.

Both days commenced with an opening ceremony with local Bowraville Central School student Cassandra Stadhams delivering an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ on Day 1.

On Day 2 Ricky Buchanan delivered a ‘Welcome to Country’, which was followed by a cultural performance with local schools singing in Gumbaynggirr language.

“We had over 30 service stalls and service providers were invited to deliver a fun interactive activity along with information for young people, families and community,” said Megan.

“Bowraville Central School is a ‘Connected Community’ school and this event is one of the largest sporting events across the state.

“Macksville Woolworths donated fruit and water over the two days as students were having fun playing touch football, basketball and participating in fun activities,” Megan said.

Bowraville Central School hospitality students prepared 300 meals for the service providers over the two days.

Bowraville Central School staff were closely involved; from organising school teams and developing a roster to keep the students moving.

Bowraville Central coordinates all primary and secondary schools along with sorting out the massive task of T-shirts for all registered teams.

“It was a hugely successful event bringing everyone together,” Megan said.

Our youth are future leaders.

We are creating an environment for schools from the Mid North Coast to experience an interactive careers event that showcases pathways into a variety of industries.

“It is hoped the exposure will assist students to consider their future career.”

Day 1: Thursday 3 November – 400 Secondary Students event had 400 students

“The day had a strong focus on Careers Pathways with a range of industries holding stalls that showcase career opportunities with innovative and interactive workshops throughout the day.

“It is hoped that at least one of the invited industry groups may pique the interest of students.

“And, the opportunity to compete in touch football and basketball, or join in other activities,” Megan said.

Day 2: Friday 4 November – Juniors and Primary Students event had 670 students

“The juniors had a designated kiddie’s corner for 0-5 years with fun play activities organised and supervised by preschools and services.

“The primary school students had an opportunity to play touch football and basketball along with participating in a fun interactive workshop.

“Families also had the opportunity to browse through Service Stalls, there was information on services and programs delivered to the Bowraville, Macksville, and Nambucca communities,” Megan said.