As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, the Canberra Raiders proudly acknowledge this year’s theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy." This theme resonates deeply with the work we continue to do in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Canberra region through programs like the NRL School to Work (S2W) program and initiatives like the recent UC Inspire Camp.
Since 2021 the Canberra Raiders, University of Canberra (UC) and the S2W Program have collaborated to bring participants from the region together for 3 days to experience the UC Inspire Camp. This initiative provided Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a unique opportunity to connect with culture, explore education and career pathways and build confidence in their identity and aspirations. Alongside our School to Work program, the camp reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation by supporting their journey toward a strong and self-determined future.
S2W participant Sahara Walker explained "having the opportunity to attend the NRL School to Work Program was highly inspirational as a proud Yuin woman. This camp, through every aspect, embraced every individual no matter the stage of our journey and enabled us all to deepen our connections immensely, whether that was to our culture or through opening new relationships with others."
The camp offers students a valuable opportunity to connect with culture, experience university life, visit the Raiders Centre of Excellence, and take part in the annual Race the Raiders event at Powerkart Raceway. As part of the program, students toured the facility and attended a Careers in Sport panel, where a range of Raiders staff shared their journeys from school to their current roles.
S2W Participant Kai Buchanan “the session with the Raiders really opened my eyes to how the rugby league world works behind the scene" and "that there is so much more to the game than just playing on the field which had truly taught me a valuable lesson that rugby league is so much more than just a game.”
Community Engagement Manager Jess Crisp shared, “this year saw our largest group yet. It’s exciting to see the program continue to grow, but even more rewarding is the curiosity among participants realising there’s a place for everyone in sport. Whether it’s playing on the field, working as a team physio, managing reception, or maintaining the facilities, every role matters.”
These camps have consistently helped increase the number of participants who consider university pathways, resulting in more applications, higher commencement rates, and smoother, more successful transitions into university life. More importantly, the camps help lay a strong foundation for lifelong success, regardless of the participants’ ultimate post-school direction.
