NRL Victoria and Melbourne Storm helped facilitate a two-day Youth Summit last week, an initiative of the In League In Harmony program, School to Work program and community partner Centre of Multicultural Youth.
Bringing together a collective of youth advocates, delegates and ambassadors, the summit was an opportunity to exchange cultural learnings and discuss issues affecting the community.
NRL Indigenous Pathways Manager Dean Widders taught the group of young leaders a "Unity Dance" to reflect the theme "Unite the Difference" #OneTeamOneDream.
"I have a real sense of pride and truly understand our First Nations people with a whole lot more respect than before today," In League In Harmony Advocate Jodeci (Tarneit SC) said.
"What I learnt today in this one session, everyone should experience as part of their acknowledgement and welcome to country.
"It gives us real purpose and understanding of how far we've come and also how far we have yet to go in accepting everyone."
On day two NRL Legend and Community Program Facilitator Joe Galuvao facilitated the Talanoa session, discussing mental health, schools and community.
The young leaders shared BBQ lunch with Melbourne Storm players and staff.
To close the day, the group performed the Unity Dance for Josh Addo-Carr, who is a clear favourite with all the students.
A select few emerging leaders were provided an opportunity to meet the Victorian Minister of Youth Gabrielle Williams and provide her a copy of the Youth Summit discussions.
