Salvation Army Oasis helps teen boxer take a shot at greatness

Eighteen year-old Emma Hill had a rough childhood— but now she’s chasing greatness in the boxing ring with the help of an Aussie legend, all thanks a school which turned her life around.

Emma Hill a student at the Salvation Army, Oasis College, in Surry Hills. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

All her life Emma Hill has punched above her weight.

In January this is expected to culminate in the 18-year-old’s first amateur fight, trained by

the legendary Johnny Lewis who has coached six world champions to glory.

“You probably know him,” she says with a shy grin.

But the truth is her biggest fight has already been fought and won.

Emma is not just Australia’s own Million Dollar Baby — “I love that film!” — she is

something more akin to a miracle.

Emma Hill is prepapring for her first ever amateur fight. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

And in the Salvation Army’s “Oasis” compound — nestled almost invisibly amid the fancy

cafes and boutiques of Surry Hills — there are plenty of people who believe in miracles, but

this one is forged by human hands.

Emma came from a rough background.

Boxing legend Johnny Lewis is helping to train Emma.

“I had a lot of family issues growing up, they weren’t really supportive,” she says.

Asked about her parents, she delivers another wry understated smile: “They’re not good

role models.”

As a result Emma loved being at school but at the same time struggled with it.

“I didn’t like school but I loved being in school. I didn’t get the help I needed so I never

learned. I was always in trouble, suspended, never doing work.”

Emma is a student at the Salvation Army, Oasis College, in Surry Hills. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

All that changed when she discovered Oasis College. With just three teachers, one youth

worker and no more than 20 students a year it is probably the smallest high school in

Australia. But it too punches above its weight.

Founded by the Salvos just four years ago, Oasis is what you might call a school of last

resort. A place for struggling and vulnerable kids to go when all the efforts and resources of

the mainstream education system have failed them.

It takes teenagers who society has effectively given up on and gives them the tools they

need to get their HSC or other qualifications so they can go on to work or further study. And

a critical part of this is through boxing and other fitness programs that give its students the

self-discipline and self-respect that has been so often lacking in their lives.

Incredibly, given the background of the kids and the trauma they have experienced, around

75 per cent leave Oasis with their HSC.

That is something of a miracle in itself but Emma is next level.

Emma’s fitness coach and mentor, Tony Akindoyin, helps her train. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

This year she became the first student to achieve a clean sweep: Not only did she complete her HSC, but she attained every single qualification the school has on offer.

She rattles them off almost by rote: “HSC, VET in hospitality, skills for work, construction,

barista, first aid… I think that’s nearly it.”

As we chat in the Oasis gym, the founder of the school Chris McKendrick looks on and

veritably glows with joy. He’s now ready to reveal the school’s success for the first time and

wants to roll out this magic bullet to other areas of Sydney he knows desperately need it —

especially after the devastation of school closures during Covid.

“With Covid we’ve seen a drop off with students. A lot of students have left schools and

never gone back to school. It’s a massive problem,” he says.

“There’s a lot of young people who have disappeared during Covid. The online learning

didn’t work for them. So there’s a lot of young people out there who need a program like

this.”

At Oasis, Emma has excelled in class and now hopes to be a youth worker, as well as a boxer. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Fitness coach Tony Akindoyin says one key to its success is the sporting element, with

boxing a constant favourite among the kids.

“It’s not just about boxing and physical fitness, it’s about mentoring,” he says.

“The most important thing is respect. Once you respect them properly you have no

problems with them.”

And given their backgrounds it’s little wonder the kids have a bit to say to the punching bag.

“That’s my favourite part,” Emma grins.

But it’s not just her fists that do the fighting. Emma’s now studying for her community

services certificate so she can become a youth worker and help others like herself.

And so the miracle continues.