In a remarkable display of endurance and teamwork, Aboriginal students from Deniliquin High School and Echuca College triumphantly completed the Massive Murray Paddle last Friday.
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Starting the Monday previous, it saw them traverse parts of the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Koondrook, totalling more than 400km.
The students were supported by a number of local organisations and groups who helped to sponsor and support before and during the racing.
This included Murray River Police District officers and staff from the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Essential Energy, Birrang Enterprise and the Department of Education.
Another helping hand came from NSW National Parks, who supported the youth paddling in the Community kayak, they sent five Parks officers throughout the week, helping with paddling,mentoring and land support.
The challenging route for this year's paddle was altered from previous years, kicking off in Yarrawonga and pushing towards Tocumwal on the first day, with participants tackling a gruelling 90km stretch.
On the second day, paddlers would usually go from Tocumwal to Picnic Point.
But due to environmental watering in the Millewa section of the Murray Valley National Park, this was not possible.
Instead, the teams repeated the first leg on day two, and on day three paddled from Picnic Point to Moama.
Teams and paddlers converged on Moama Beach, where they participated in a traditional smoking ceremony, celebrating their progress and rejuvenating for the challenges ahead.
From Moama, the groups travelled toward Torrumbarry where they would shack up for the night and prepare for the final day of paddling.
The final day saw participants go from Gunbower through to Koondrook, toward the finish line.
The epic journey covered an astounding distance, showcasing the students' remarkable determination and stamina.
Deniliquin High School Aboriginal education officer Keisha Egan said she was extremely proud of the students and their behaviour over the course of the paddle
“We had an amazing week and managed to complete the full 415km paddle,” she said.
“The students all achieved above and beyond our and their expectations, most paddling between 80km to 100km for the week.”
Another aspect of the whole journey for the kids that Keisha noticed was the connections that were made amongst the children and with the support staff.
“The DHS students made great friends with Echuca College students and support staff, only extending their social and cultural network further,” she said.
“The police came in droves, with 17 officers paddling with the students.
“There were moments you saw a tear develop in some officer's eyes, and some moments when officers used their skills to assist the youth to see that our history doesn't determine our future - we can be whoever we want to be if we try and push ourselves outside our comfort zones.”
The Deniliquin and Echuca team raised $313 for the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group, and hope to continue to be involved in Massive Murray Paddles in the future.
The continuation of the program will help to break down stigma around police and the community, ensuring these young people feel safe and comfortable approaching police when needs be.
Keisha said Murray River Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Smith, is keen to see the collaboration continue and even grow into other region areas.
“This is a massive commitment, and we are all excited to see this happen in 2025,” Keisha said.
“This year, our student participation saw 19 students involved.
“We are hoping next year to at least double this.”