Port Adelaide star forward, Jeremy Finlayson and the club’s not-for-profit Power Community Limited (PCL) have travelled to remote Northern Territory (NT) community, Wadeye, to continue the implementation of the industry leading Santos Aboriginal Power Cup program (SAPC).
The trip to the Top End comes off the back of reports of societal challenges in the community, including school attendance, and to continue reengaging students in their education after previously facilitating a trip down to Adelaide to take part in the annual SAPC carnival in May.
PCL’s Head of Programs Braedon Talbot reflected on the trip, and the progress the students have made in the classroom.
“We’ve always remained steadfast in our approach with the implementation of the SAPC program ensuring that we keep education at the core, using sport as the hook to drive engagement,” Mr. Talbot said.
“I was standing in their community classroom with students on their country in Wadeye when I heard students referring to themselves as the ‘Power Cup students’, and I couldn’t have been prouder in that moment.
Braedon Talbot, Head of Community Programs
“Education has always been paramount in the SAPC program.
“Having the opportunity to deliver important messages addressing the National Closing the Gap targets via some of the game's biggest stars in Jeremy Finlayson, is incredibly powerful for both the students, and the success of the program.
“There’s now a cohort of students in lower grades that are excited to do the SAPC program in Wadeye, and that is a strong example of how impactful the curriculum is.
“We’re proud of the positive steps we’ve made in program delivery so far in the country’s Top End and look forward to rolling out the program, and playing an active role in change, in more schools in 2025 and beyond”.
The expansion of the SAPC program to the NT is a significant milestone for Port Adelaide’s not-for-profit and its partners, and one that research indicates couldn’t be timelier.
In addition to the implementation of the programs in Wadeye, PCL spent time with teachers, schools, and community members to gain a better understanding of the current challenges schools in the country's Top End are facing.
Armed with that knowledge, the SAPC program curriculum has be appropriately adapted to effectively address, and subsequently make change in the required areas.
The program has been implemented in two schools initially, with the intention to expand from 2025 and beyond.
The trip was made possible by the support of PCL's valued partners Santos and Blooms The Chemist.
