The Vipers had an initial stop in Darwin where they were special guests of the Northern Territory Thunder team for the Thunders top of the table clash with Mt. Gravatt. Prior to the game, they were treated to a training run by tour fitness coach Ged McMahon and for some, a special invite into the Thunder’s pre game meeting.
The next day included a visit to Adelaide River for a Jumping Crocodile Cruise. The sheer size and power of the crocs was breathtaking and a quick reminder of the dangers present in Top End waters.
After two days preparing in Darwin, the boys were primed for the boat ride across the Arafura Sea to Melville Island. The Vipers were warmly welcomed by Tiwi College students, some of whom visited our school in June, and together spent the afternoon catching up with old and new friends.
With AFL football being a major part of Tiwi culture, it was no surprise of the buzz surrounding the perpetual Vipers and Tiwi College AFL Shield game that afternoon. With the Tiwi College bursting out of the blocks, they were never in doubt claiming their first victory over the Vipers.
In another show of our strong relationship together, both teams were then mixed up in the second half for a very enjoyable game of footy for all involved.
Our first day at Tiwi College finished with a swim in the creek, BBQ with college staff and a camp fire. During this time, Tiwi elders shared with our boys Dreaming Stories and the significance of Tiwi Culture, living off the land and tribal way of life.
The Viper students remained captivated with an incredible insight into aboriginal and Tiwi Island’s history, significance of differing skin and clan groups, traditional lifestyle and hunting stories. A memory surely all will cherish and share with others on their return.
The next two days on the Tiwi Islands was jammed packed with fishing, camping, bushwalking and learning more and more about Tiwi Culture. Welcomed by traditional land owners, our boys had a unique experience of being about to camp out under the stars and soak up a way of life very different from that back in Brisbane.
Boys from both Narangba and Tiwi College feasted on buffalo and damper, whilst sharing more time together with traditional dancing and dreaming stories.
On behalf of the Vipers I would like to thank Dan McNamee and Shane Tipuamantimirri from Tiwi College, the Milikapiti Community and Murray Davis from the NT Thunder.
A big thanks also tour supporters Energex, Kangaroo Bus Lines, Caboolture Sports Club, KooGa, Brisbane Lions Academy, Cole Henderson, Ged McMahon and all the boys involved, who as a community can be very proud of.
