Jawai to lead Taipans to Bamaga

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans will embark on a special pre-season trip this week, with Nathan Jawai taking the team to visit his hometown of Bamaga – 1000 kilometres northwest of Cairns and home of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang people. The players will travel around the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) over three days, visiting Bamaga, Seisia and the North Cape for cultural education and a series of team-building activities.

Players, coaches, and staff will fly direct from Cairns to Bamaga with REX Airlines tomorrow, arriving to a Welcome to Country courtesy of the Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation.
 
The Sports and Recreation Department at NPA Regional Council regularly works with the Taipans Indigenous Program (TIP) and will facilitate a community engagement event at the Bamaga outdoor courts as well as team workouts at Hunter’s Fitness Centre.
 
The players will also visit a local school, stand at the “northernmost point of Australia”, and experience a traditional kup murri, hosted by Jawai’s family.
 
Taipans centre and Queensland State Government ambassador Nathan Jawai said that being able to organise a trip for the entire team was a dream come true.
 
“I can’t wait to show the boys where I came from and teach them about my culture. It’s a big part of who I am, and they will really learn about the heritage of this country. I am so proud to be an Indigenous man and this experience will be incredibly special to me,” said Jawai.
 
“It’s also nice to be able to go back home and check in with my family and friends before we get stuck into the competition. I always reflect on where I came from, and this reminder will give me so much motivation before the season starts. You should never forget your roots.”

TIP Manager and assistant coach Kerry Williams said while the trip will be an educational experience for everyone, the coaching staff will specifically focus on team-building activities in a different environment.
 
“This is going to be a really memorable break for the team. We get to step away from our usual stomping grounds and get the boys out of their comfort zone. We want to use this trip as something that we can refer to during the season – where we set our intentions and personal goals. We want to use this time away to reflect on the training so far and what we can achieve as a team this year,” said Coach Williams.
 
“I’m really happy we can do this for Nate. It’s been a long time coming – ever since he came back to Cairns, he’s wanted to bring the Taipans to his hometown to show off his community and showcase his club. The Taipans are the reason why he’s had the incredible career he’s had, so this is going to be a pivotal and emotional expedition for him.”
 
The Taipans would like to thank Steve Jones at REX Airlines, the NBL, Maxwell Media and Aaron Tamwoy for making this trip possible, with special acknowledgments to Ipima Ikaya Aboriginal Corporation, Gudang Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation, Guba Markai Cultural Group, Injinoo Dancers and the Jawai family.