Survivor-style solution breaks down the barriers

The rebirth of a young women's program in Carnarvon is using Survivor-style challenges to break down barriers in the Carnarvon community.

21 December 2009

Based on the Survivor program with challenges centred on unity, peace, team work, participation, cooperation, encouragement, helpfulness and appropriate problem solving, the GTB (Girls Team Building) Young Women's Program was held on Tuesday 15 December 2009.

"The purpose of the program is to help break down the barriers between the different groups of girls in the community and reduce anti-social behaviours and practices," said DSR Manager Gascoyne Salvatore Siciliano. "In particular, the goal of the program is to reduce intimidation of year seven girls entering into the high school community, minimising anti-social behaviours and promoting a positive community spirit."

Up for grabs was the immunity trophy – a circle of friends statue with a peace candle – to be won by the highest scoring team, and an individual award of a $25 Rockman's gift voucher for the Community Spirit Award recipient.

Pinker Dots were the resounding winners of the immunity trophy.

The GTB Young Women's Program is for young ladies aged 12–14 years, and is based on the previously-run Deadly Diva’s program from 2003 and 2005. However, while Deadly Divas was a two-day program ending with a luncheon, GTB was a half-day program beginning with a healthy buffet luncheon and filled with team building activities. Each activity was conducted by various agencies within Carnarvon and included:

• Beach Dodge Ball played in teams with beach balls, conducted by Maddie Smith and Joan Whitehead of Gascoyne Population Health.
• Cheerleading workshop with Skye Spencer.
• Traffic Light Dietary Choices by Nardia Ward.
• Team building Human Knot Activities with Atelena Nadugu from the Shire of Carnarvon Aquatic Centre.
• Sweet Creations cake decorating by Warwick Hodgson and Lexie Ward from Central West College of TAFE.

 

The program was coordinated and catered for by the Department of Sport and Recreation Gascoyne Office.

The girls collectively came up with the new name for the program and the names for each challenge group.

"The program was highly successful with the girls, teachers and coordinators all thoroughly enjoying the day, and discussions are underway for a bigger and better program for 2010," Mr Siciliano said.

"A big thank you to everyone who participated. DSR Gascoyne staff would also like to extend a big thank you to PCYC Carnarvon for donating the venue, DSR Gascoyne Indigenous Sports Development Officer (ISDO) Keno Phillips for being a highly professional and entertaining MC and to the anonymous donor of the immunity challenge trophy and gift certificate."