Flying High
As part of National Reconciliation Week some of our Darwin Stars were invited to abseil and rock climb with 1st Combat Signal Regiment at Robertson Barracks.
Understandably, our young women were pretty daunted when they arrived and looked up to see a 25-metre tower all ready for them to climb!
But, after being kitted up with safety equipment and given a briefing by Defence personnel, they climbed to the top of the tower ready to abseil back down.
It was an extremely challenging for many of our young women, but this thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience held some important life lessons, including the importance of facing and overcoming fear, showing courage and leadership, and having trust.
Year 10 Stars, Jayde Cunningham, said she was glad to have been able to have the experience, even though it was tough:
“When we arrived, I thought it was going to be easy, because it didn’t look so high and I have abseiled before, but it was indoors and not as high. After the safety prep when we got up the top my heart dropped to the ground! I thought, I don’t want to die, today is not my day!! Sam Arnold went first without any fear and she made it look easy! Then it was my turn. Suddenly the fear came over me and I started to panic. I called out for Miss Katie and she, along with the instructor, calmed me down. I asked Miss Katie to go first and then it didn’t seem so bad, so I moved over to the other side of the wall with a new instructor who assured me it was safe, and I’d be okay. Then I started going down slowly … I slipped and stared to panic about halfway down, but I knew there was only one way down! So, I closed my eyes and thought about being down on the ground to help me calm down. Before I knew it, I was safely touching the land! I felt good about overcoming my fear of the height, it was fun in the end, but I’m not sure if I’d like to do it again!”
Congratulations to all our Stars, and their Mentors, for taking on the challenge! We’re super proud of you all.
