Goodooga keeps its spirits up

This article appears in the May 2010 edition of Sportshorts.

Large areas of rural NSW were hit hard by flooding during March. One of the many towns affected was Goodooga in the state’s far north-west.

A remote outback town, Goodooga is near Lightning Ridge and just 20km from the Queensland border. With a population of only a few hundred, the town was cut off for many weeks.

While essential services, food, accommodation and health were the priorities during the crisis, Sport and Recreation’s Western Region also stepped in to make sure kids had some fun holiday activities.

‘Goodooga is a passionate, sports-loving town,” said Bronwyn Colman from Sport and Recreation.

“We wanted to lift the spirits of the community and make sure the kids and adults could access activities during the holidays.”

With the help of Googooga Youth Club, Goodooga Rugby League and volunteers, activities organised included circus skills, touch football and netball for the young people. 

Youth and adults took part in sports-related training including youth services, sports team managers and Traditional Indigenous Games.

“All the holiday programs were great fun and everyone involved had a really positive attitude,” said Ms Colman.

“Sixty-seven young people, aged 4 to 18 years of age, took part in the touch football program alone, which was a great turn out.

“As always, we couldn’t have done it without volunteers. Fifteen parent helpers assisted with the BBQ, organising teams, keeping up the water supply and transport.

“The holiday program was great for the kids and the community would love to continue it,” said Ms Colman.