SunRise Visit

SunRice and Narrandera Academy Host Action-Packed Morning of Sports Training, Topped Off with a Bacon and Egg Roll Breakfast SunRice and the Narrandera Academy recently teamed up to host an exciting and interactive morning of sports training, providing students with the opportunity to break a sweat and build teamwork skills through a series of fun, high-energy activities. The event featured indoor soccer, basketball, and the increasingly popular sport of pickleball, followed by a hearty breakfast of bacon and egg rolls.

Held at the Leeton Basketball Stadium, the event was designed to promote physical fitness, collaboration, and camaraderie. Students from the Narrandera Academy participated in a rotating schedule of sports, giving everyone a chance to engage in fast-paced games of soccer, showcase their basketball skills, and learn the fundamentals of pickleball—a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

The interactive sports session was led by a team of coaches and volunteers, who emphasized teamwork, communication, and having fun. Participants were grouped into teams and competed in friendly matches across the different sports, with plenty of laughter and good-natured competition.

SunRice, a key player in the local community, organized the event as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering youth development and encouraging healthy lifestyles. “We wanted to create an event that brought students together in a fun and engaging way while promoting the importance of physical activity and teamwork,” said a SunRice representative. “Sport is a great way to build leadership and cooperation skills, which are just as valuable in agriculture as they are in the classroom or on the court.

After a morning of running, shooting hoops, and learning pickleball serves, students and organizers came together to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. The smell of sizzling bacon and freshly made egg rolls filled the stadium, and the post-training meal provided an opportunity for students and staff to relax, refuel, and reflect on the morning’s activities.

The Narrandera Academy expressed its gratitude for SunRice’s continued support and the positive impact of the event. “It was a fantastic day that combined physical fitness with team-building exercises, giving our students a unique and memorable experience. We’re grateful to SunRice for their collaboration and ongoing commitment to supporting our academy,” said a representative from the academy.

The combination of sports and socializing made the morning both active and enjoyable, with many students commenting on how much they appreciated the opportunity to try different sports in a fun, low-pressure environment.

As the last egg rolls were devoured, and the morning’s activities came to an end, the event left everyone looking forward to the next chance to combine fitness, learning, and community spirit. SunRice and the Narrandera Academy’s successful partnership once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in fostering a strong, healthy, and connected community.

JBS Visit

Narrandera Clontarf Academy Senior Students Experience a Day at JBS Australia

Senior students from the Narrandera Clontarf Academy recently had a unique opportunity to step into the world of one of the largest meat processing companies in the world—JBS Australia. The immersive experience gave the students valuable insight into what it’s like to work in the meat industry and exposed them to the various career paths available within the company.

JBS Australia, a global leader in the meat processing sector, opened its doors to the students for a day-long visit that provided first hand knowledge of its operations. The Narrandera Clontarf Academy students were guided through the facility, where they learned about the different stages of meat processing, the strict food safety protocols in place, and the company’s commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.

The visit began with an introduction to the history of JBS, explaining its role as a major player in the global meat industry and how it contributes to the local economy. Students were then taken on a comprehensive tour of the plant, where they observed various production lines in action, including the meat cutting, packaging, and distribution processes.

Throughout the day, JBS staff shared insights into the different types of roles available within the company, from entry-level positions to management and specialized technical roles. Students learned about the skills required to succeed in the industry, as well as the opportunities for training and career advancement that JBS offers.

The visit also highlighted the importance of teamwork, precision, and safety in such a high-demand environment. Several students commented on how eye-opening the experience was, with many expressing interests in pursuing careers in agriculture, food production, or related fields.

A JBS Australia representative emphasized the value of engaging with young people through programs like this. “We were thrilled to host the senior students from the Narrandera Clontarf Academy. It’s important for us to not only showcase the opportunities available in the meat industry but also inspire the next generation of workers and leaders. The students were enthusiastic and curious, which was fantastic to see.”

The Narrandera Clontarf Academy, which focuses on improving the education, discipline, life skills, and employment prospects of young Indigenous men, sees these industry experiences as crucial to preparing its students for life after school. “Opportunities like this are invaluable for our senior students. It gives them a glimpse into the professional world and helps them understand the kinds of jobs that are out there. JBS Australia has been incredibly welcoming and generous with their time,” said a Clontarf Academy representative.

The day concluded with a Q&A session, where students had the chance to ask JBS employees about their career journeys, experiences in the industry, and advice for those interested in pursuing similar paths.

Overall, the visit was a resounding success, leaving students with a newfound appreciation for the work behind the scenes in one of Australia’s leading industries. The Narrandera Clontarf Academy and JBS Australia partnership demonstrates the positive impact that real-world industry experiences can have on preparing students for their future careers.

Mr John Ingram

Director Narrandera Clontarf Academy

State Athletics