South West Regional Community Partnership for WA

Thirty five adventurous Year 9 students from across the South West of Western Australia recently took up the challenge of a seven day Outward Bound course in the beautiful Walpole-Nornalup National Park on WA's South Coast.

The students were recipients of scholarships for the inaugural South West Regional Community Partnership Year 9 Foundations Course, thanks to major sponsor HBOS Australia Foundation.  The scholarships enabled students to participate who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do so.

The journey-based personal development course is designed to inspire young people to discover, develop and achieve their potential.  The adventure included meeting individual and team challenges of High & Low Ropes Courses, Giant Ladder, rafting, bushwalking and navigation, and team building games and initiatives, not to mention the daily challenges of living and working together for seven days!

Outward Bound's Regional Partnership Programs are designed to foster growth in regional communities, allowing both the local youth and their communities to benefit from the experience.  The inaugural South West program has received strong support from across the South West, through local shires and high schools.

Students who attended the course at the end of February came from Collie, Allanson, Burekup, Bunbury, Boyanup, Boyup Brook, Mumballup, Brigetown, Greenbushes and Manjimup.  

The High Ropes Course was by far the best thing I've ever done, the rafting was an awesome experience, and the solo session allowed me to explore myself with greater depth than I'd thought possible.  I conquered my fear of heights and discovered I was far stronger, both physically and emotionally than I'd once thought. Brigid Truell, Bridgetown High School

The highlights of my course were rafting and completing the High Ropes Course.  I achieved beyond my goals on the High Ropes Course.  With support from the group I went beyond what I believed I could do.  I valued the support and encouragement from the Instructors and the group members.  I really appreciate the friendships I also gained.  I have grown to become a much more secure, compassionate and co-operative person. Zoe Bennett, Collie Senior High School

The schools involved included Collie Senior High School, Manjimup Senior High School, Boyup Brook District High School, Bridgetown High School, Kearnan College (Manjimup), Newton Moore Senior High School and Bunbury Senior High School.

Many thanks to the schools, shire & city councils, and members of the South West communities for their support in providing the opportunity for young people from the South West.

For more information on upcoming courses in WA, contact the WA Partnerships Manager.