The sun is out and the warmth feels lovely on our skin as we leave at about 9:00 a.m. to head up to James Cook University. When we arrive, we are greeted by the joyful and energetic Dr. Deakin who was presenting our morning lecture. Dr. Deakin told us about her work analyzing and improving the physical health of the remote communities in Australia. She travels by car on dirt roads and log bridges to reach these people with a mission to better their well-being. Her colleagues and students help to administer fitness tests to collect data on their current condition which is typically unhealthy due to chronic diseases and drug abuse. They use the data they gather through the tests to blueprint plans on how to reduce drugs and increase healthier diets and exercise. From this lecture, we gained better knowledge on the state of remote communities and the pressing need to close the gap between the indigenous and non-indigenous people.
We wrapped up our learning portion for the day and packed up to leave James Cook Uni with a cheerful goodbye to Dr. Deakin. We couldn’t hide our excitement in the van ride because swimming in a rainforest watering hole was next on the mornings agenda. We hiked along a walking trail to find the perfect spot to take a dip in the freshwater. Nearly all of us dove in right away, jumping off a rock to an 8ft deep pool. Right next to that all-natural diving board was a very small waterfall that a few of the brave in our group slid down into the watering hole. With bruised bums they swam toward us and we gathered at a shallower end. The trees towered above us, but the sun still found a way to shine through and glisten over the water. Small brown fish grazed our ankles and we tried our best not to stub our feet on rocks as we moved. The entire area was gorgeous and none of us were ready to leave when it came time to head to our final destination for the day.
After we dried off and piled back into the van, we headed over to the Taipans Basketball Club. There, we met Mr. Kerry Williams who was one of the first Aboriginal basketball players to play for a professional team. He talked to us about what the Taipans are doing for Aboriginal communities such as setting up visits to inspire the kids to reach their potential in sports. The Taipans are easily the most involved with indigenous communities than any other basketball club in Australia which is how they differentiate themselves to gain respect. Afterwards, we all headed to one of the club’s courts to play a game of pick-up with Mr. Williams. We split into two teams and all our competitiveness came out as we played aggressively against each other. Both teams fought hard and we all managed to score a decent number of baskets. We worked up a sweat and the game really tuckered us all out for the van ride back to our hostel for the night.
- Miranda Ramirez