Part 2: Come-and-try weekend proves popular in Rockhampton

The hosting of the Indigenous Mini Masters came as a result of a partnership between Milbi Incorporated and Sport and Recreation Queensland (SRQ).

The event required involved Milbi working closely with regional development officers from a range of sports to ensure the event was well managed and provided a culturally appropriate environment.
What is Milbi?
How did the organisation identify the need for the event?
How did Milbi become aware of the Indigenous Community Development Program (ICDP)?
How did Milbi go about organising the event?
How did it promote the event?
What obstacles did Milbi have to overcome?
What advice does Milbi have for other Indigenous organisations wishing to undertake similar projects?
Want more information?


What is Milbi?

Milbi is a Rockhampton-based Indigenous organisation that runs a range of crime prevention, substance abuse and emergency accommodation programs. Milbi promotes sport as a positive alternative to anti-social behaviour, which can help instil values such as respect, leadership and teamwork.

How did the organisation identify the need for the event?

Antisocial behaviour and truancy was an ongoing issue for Indigenous communities around Rockhampton. At the same time, the influence of video games and other activities was impacting on the number of children participating in regular sport and recreation. Milbi felt that a come-and-try event could introduce children (many of them who weren't physically active) to sports that were both fun and good for them. It hoped that by introducing them to the sports in a supporting environment with their friends, that more Indigenous children would have the confidence to join local sporting clubs.

How did Milbi become aware of the Indigenous Community Development Program (ICDP)?

Milbi heard about the ICDP via one of SRQ's Rockhampton-based Indigenous advisers. With assistance from SRQ, the organisation prepared an application for funding that was subsequently approved.

How did Milbi go about organising the event?

The organisation contacted regional development officers from a range of sports to secure their involvement. It later approached a number of local Indigenous players from these sports and arranged for them to assist as activity coordinators during the event. The organisation worked to a tight budget and used volunteer workers where possible. It was also able to put additional funding it had received from the Federal Department of Health and Ageing towards various aspects of the event. Milbi ensured the venue for the event was booked well in advance. It also developed a form that parents needed to sign authorising their children to participate in the event.

How did it promote the event?

Milbi placed advertisements in the local Rockhampton newspaper prior to the event. It also included an article in the newsletter that it produces.

What obstacles did Milbi have to overcome?

Milbi had initially hoped to involve other local Indigenous organisations in the running of the event. Not all were initially convinced that it would be successful and some didn't wish to be involved. Their views rapidly changed in the weeks after the event. The success of the Indigenous Mini Masters has given these organisations the confidence to run their own events and/or work more closely with Milbi on the events it is running.

What advice does Milbi have for other Indigenous organisations wishing to undertake similar projects?

The organisation believes planning and community involvement is the key to a successful event. Securing a venue, developing and working to a budget, and having reliable personnel are all vital.

Want more information?

For more information about the Indigenous Mini Masters and other programs and events run by Milbi, phone the organisation's office on (07) 4926 1794. For details about the ICDP click here or contact SRQ.