Melbourne Storm welcomed the extension of funding for the Storm Waka School Holiday program, announced by the Victorian Government Deputy Premier, Gabrielle Williams, today.
The Storm Waka School Holiday program was launched in January 2025 and has since provided support to nearly 1000 young people at risk of disengagement by strengthening individual and cultural identity in a fun, inclusive and engaging environment.
Storm CEO, Justin Rodski, said the program has had an enormous impact on the lives of young people across the state.
“The Storm Waka program has already provided nearly 1000 young people with a safe and inclusive place to connect with their culture and community,” Rodski said.
“The program is aimed at young people from diverse cultural backgrounds to help strengthen their cultural identify, confidence and leadership. It has been incredible to see the development of these young people in such a short period of time through their new sense of belonging and connection.
“This additional support from the Victorian Government now gives us greater certainty to work with youth services and local communities to provide young people more opportunities to stay engaged in positive activities during the school holidays.”
The Storm Waka School Holiday program is delivered in two weeks of each school holiday period, engaging young people aged between 12-18 from diverse backgrounds in a structured series of sport-based, developmental, and cultural activities.
The term Waka is a Māori word for canoe or vessel and represents a voyage for young people to discover their identity and grow as leaders.
Storm has also partnered with youth service teams at Hume City Council, City of Casey and Wyndham City Council who have supported the program delivery and through their own referrals.
The program also engages with the Pasifika Schools Network, School Community Liaison Officers, Victoria Police and the Pasifika Victoria Police Network as part of the support networks for the young participants.
Not only has the program provided young people with structure and purpose during the school holidays, but it also provides connection with community rugby league clubs, community caterers, cultural groups and local businesses.
The Melbourne Storm School Holiday program is one of four offered under the Storm Waka initiative. These include:
- Storm Waka School Holiday
- Storm Waka In-School
- Storm Waka Careers
- Storm Waka Hang-Out
Storm Waka is also supported by RedZed, as the Presenting Partner of the Storm Waka program.
For more information about these programs, visit https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/community/our-game/
