The first Flying Squad Visit to Katherine in October was an opportunity to connect with the region and for local children to meet their footy idols. The Club teamed up with two of our community partners Youthbeyondblue and Menzie’s School of Health Research.

The travelling party consisted of Hawks players Brad Sewell, Shane Savage, Cam Stokes (originally from Darwin) and Carl Peterson (originally from Kunanurra), along with Development Coach David Flood, Player Welfare and Development Manager Jason Burt and the Club’s Community Manager, Dayna Mackenzie.


Day 1


On day one we had the opportunity to visit two Indigenous communities Beswick and Barunga - both almost 100 kilometres east of Katherine.

Each community has approximately 300 residents with football and sport high on their radar. Barunga Sport and Recreation Manager Paul Amarant operates a ‘no school no play’ philosophy, which has seen a rise in school attendance within the community.

Paul showed us around the community's sporting facilities including their basketball court (where our boys enjoyed shooting a few hoops with some locals), as well as the indoor recreation room. The rec room is home to two pool tables, a ping pong table and hosts a weekly blue light disco. The players enjoyed a kick on the lush green oval which is the home ground to both Barunga and Beswick football teams.


Local Barunga kids join Hawks players (L-R) Brad Sewell, Cam Stokes, Shane Savage and Carl Peterson.

Next stop was Beswick where we spent the morning at the Wugularr School. Approximately 60 students were introduced to the players and had the chance to polish up their footy skills in a clinic with the Hawks. Following the session, our players opened up about the importance of drinking water and eating the right foods. They also shed light on how they prepare for a game.

Later that afternoon we celebrated football and dance with Indigenous Hip Hop Projects (IHHP) at the Town Oval thanks to Youthbeyondblue.


IHHP and the Hawks.

IHHP are an interactive hip-hop group that work with Youthbeyondblue in the Northern Territory to help spread the message about depression and anxiety in young people. The group use hip-hop dance as a vehicle to boost confidence and promote positive social behaviour. IHHP engaged the crowd by teaching new dance moves and routines to their enthused audience. The afternoon was a hit which saw around 200 locals enjoy a dance and a kick followed by a free BBQ.


IHHP's audience in action.


Carl Peterson shows his style.

Day 2

The players enjoyed sharing their skills with the local children of Katherine with four schools joining us for a clinic and BBQ on day two.

That afternoon we had the opportunity to go fishing with a few students from the Clontarf Academy. The trip was a reward for these boys who have excelled during the year in their studies.

Into the troopies we loaded and once we arrived at the river we realized we didn’t have any bait! While we waited for Tommy to head into town to stock up we took the opportunity to cool down in the river - although the water temperature was still very warm.


Clontarf players are joined by Carl, Cam and Shane.


Cooling down in the Katherine River.

Although no fish were caught (not the right season for barra apparently!) both the Clontarf boys and the Hawks players loved the opportunity to spend some time together and hear about our each other's cultures.

The evening saw the group meet up with some local footy teams at the Showgrounds where the Hawks players joined in on their training session. We were all extremely impressed with some of the local talent.

Day 3

Our last day in Katherine began with a visit to the Nitmiluk National Park where we enjoyed a magical Katherine Gorge breakfast cruise. We were joined by girls from the Smarter Stronger Sisters Group who have showed leadership and commitment throughout the year. Needless to say it was an incredible way to start the day.


Renee and Emily from Stronger Smarter Sisters join Hawks players for breakfast.

After the cruise we visited Katherine High School where the players introduced themselves and answered questions from an inquisitive crowd. Some great questions were thrown at the players including how they adapted to being a full time footballer and what their backup plans were outside of football. Following the Q&A we got out onto the oval to give the students a chance to have a kick and a chat with the Hawks players.


Hawks players answer questions from an inquisitive group of students.


Sewell teaches students a handballing drill at Katherine High.