Northern beaches: Indigenous kids see ocean for first time at South Narrabeen

These indigenous kids from the bush have never seen the ocean. Many have not seen rain for more than a year. On a trip to the northern beaches last weekend they saw both.

Indigenous kids enjoy the ocean for the first time at South Narrabeen. Picture: Monique Harmer.

• Mental health patient left to walk two hours home at night
• ‘We don’t want a Barangaroo on our doorstep’

Not only was it the first time these indigenous kids had seen the ocean, but they also saw rain — a rare occurrence for many.

Around 40 children aged seven to 15 from Brewarrina, Bourke, Weilmoringle, and Goodooga in far North West NSW spent the weekend on the northern beaches enjoying new experiences.

As well as competing in classic nippers events and learning water safety, Manly Surf School also gave the kids surfing lessons.

Kids from the outback run into the ocean at South Narrabeen. Picture: Monique Harmer.

Big smiles say it all. Picture: Monique Harmer.

“The trip is a reward for school attendance and an opportunity for the kids to see that there is another world outside their own community and help develop confidence and self-esteem” said Bush to Beach founder Jack Cannons said.

“Brewarrina and its surrounding areas, including, Weilmoringle, Bourke, Goodooga and other far West NSW towns are disadvantaged by location, droughts, floods and the extreme heat.

The kids had a ball. Picture: Monique Harmer.

Kids enjoying their first trip to the ocean. Picture: Monique Harmer.

Children from far west NSW see the ocean for the first time. Picture: Monique Harmer.

Kids from far west NSW experience the ocean and the rain on the northern beaches. Picture: Julie Cross.

“It’s worth noting that Brewarrina and surrounding areas currently do not have drinking water. “The trip away provides the children with a special opportunity to explore new places, while learning valuable skills.

“The educational component of the trip teaches the kids water safety, CPR, basic first aid while making new friends among families from Sydney’s northern beaches.”

The initiative is part of the Bush to Beach program, which was founded in 2006, and gives indigenous kids a unique opportunity to learn and explore Sydney’s beach culture.

Made possible by volunteer efforts, donations and sponsorship, the visit to South Narrabeen Surf Club saw around 1,000 meals being served and around 1,000 hours of voluntary work provided.

Smile and laughter for bush kids vising the ocean for the first time. Picture: Monique Harmer.