North Melbourne star Jy Simpkin joins Red Dust to empower youth in remote Indigenous communities
North Melbourne star Jy Simpkin and former AFLW Tiger Steph Williams have joined forces with Red Dust to empower Indigenous youth. Read how the program is helping.
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Nestled on the banks of the Daly River, Nauiyu is a small Aboriginal community of around 300 people and home to one of the best barramundi fishing rivers in Australia.
However it was the community’s resilience, enthusiasm and potential on the footy field and in the classroom that caught the attention of North Melbourne star and Yorta Yorta man Jy Simpkin.
“There is an abundance of talent within these communities that often goes unrecognised, but the passion and determination of these young role models is contagious and serve as a reminder of the power of dreams and hard work,” he said.
The North Melbourne co-captain is the newest ambassador for Red Dust, an organisation dedicated to inspiring positive change in remote Indigenous communities through mental health and wellbeing programs.
“I love being part of the Red Dust team and their programs – it keeps me grounded, connected with my identity and reminds me that I love what I do,” he said.
Joined by former Richmond AFLW player Steph Williams, Simpkin visited the community in September to help deliver the Healthy Living Program, helping Indigenous youth build skills and knowledge in nutrition, physical activity, resilience and cultural strength.
The AFL-themed program was delivered in partnership with the Miriam Rose Foundation and local schools Woolianna and St Francis Xavier Catholic College.
Williams, who is of Larrakia and Iwaidja descent and the first drafted to the AFLW in 2020, said the program was an opportunity to connect and learn from kids and elders living in remote communities.
“As someone that grew up in remote communities, it was an incredible opportunity to connect with the kids and elders in Nauiyu through Red Dust’s Healthy Living Program, it has been an amazing experience,” she said.
“Being part of the Red Dust team, I hope to not only inspire the next generation but also to learn from them.
“Their resilience and determination is truly inspiring, and it serves as a reminder of
the incredible potential that exists within our communities.”
Partnered with 16 remote communities across the NT, Red Dust has spent more than 25 years working with remote leaders and elders to create a stronger future for youth and their families.
Red Dust aims to build resilience by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities with positive role models like Simpkin and Williams through channels such as sport, art, music and dance.
Red Dust Director, Male Health and Strategic Lead Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan said their programs supported Indigenous youth and families to “walk confidently into a bright future.”
“Working alongside Elders and remote Northern Territory communities we are redefining what success looks like, by harnessing the strengths of both ancient and modern cultures, and with a strong focus on community and individual ideas of identity, aspiration and cross-cultural competency in our DNA,” he said.
Red Dust also offers employment opportunities for locals like Tinalia Miller to deliver programs in their communities.
Tinalia was once a student participating in the program and has since become a role model for the next generation.
“I remember being part of Red Dust programs when I was a kid. It was fun. We created songs, and I enjoyed working together,” she said.
“I’m enjoying working with Red Dust, being a role model for the kids and working with strong role models like Jy and Steph.
“It is important for kids to have a role model from their community, so they have someone to look up to.”
Red Dust chief executive Scott Stirling said the organisation looked forward to “building on the strengths of remote Indigenous communities” with the help of Red Dust role models like Simpkin, Williams and Miller.
“With the involvement of Jy, Steph and Tinalia we are excited to not only celebrate the role of current role models but to continue working together and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders,” he said.
Red Dust’s Top End Programs are supported by the Australian government through the Department of Health and Aged Care, Agnico Eagle’s Community Partnership Program, IOOF Foundation and individual donors.
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Originally published as North Melbourne star Jy Simpkin joins Red Dust to empower youth in remote Indigenous communities
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