Faith Formation and Mission

Outback Mission Experience

During the Winter holiday between Terms 2 and 3, eighteen Chevalier students, three Chev staff and four Infuse Travel staff spent two weeks in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Here are some of the student reflections which highlight what an amazing and life-changing experience this was for all who participated in the Outback Mission Experience.

The Outback Mission Experience is a trip I will never forget. The trip itself was incredible, from the sights we saw, to the people and stories we heard, but nothing was more amazing than experiencing it all with my friends, and becoming closer to those I wasn’t already close with. We shared tears, laughs and the most memorable experiences and I wish I could do it all over again. Tayla.

Going into the 2023 outback mission experience I was incredibly nervous and didn't know what to expect. At the start of the trip, when they mentioned we were going to be toad-busting, my initial thoughts were no way was I ever going to touch a toad in my life!  But as the trip went on, I pushed myself more and more to get out of my comfort zone, and I am very glad I did as it helped me get the best out of the two best weeks of my life, as well as the most amazing experience toad-busting. Angus.

Outback was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the world around me. A definite highlight for me was getting to interact with the local indigenous community and learn about their ways of life, as well as swimming in Emma Gorge which was a major highlight of the trip. Tilly.

 

The 2023 Outback trip was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to connect with kids at the PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) and put a smile on their faces. Witnessing the impact of our presence on the kids’ lives, and their excitement to create connections with us, left an impression that won’t be forgotten and showed me the importance of giving back. Mackenzie

Outback 2023 was a wonderful, eye-opening experience that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things. The trip made me develop an appreciation for how beautiful and culturally diverse our country is, and allowed me to create deeper connections with my peers. I’ll never forget seeing Emma Gorge for the first time and coming to the realisation of how incredibly lucky we are to have such incredible natural sites sitting in our own (very large) Aussie backyard. I will forever be grateful for all the wonderful memories, the jokes I shared with my friends, and the great times we had at PCYC. Indiana.

 

The Outback Mission Experience 2023 was a trip I’ll forever be grateful for. The special bonds created between the whole group are ones I’ll cherish for a lifetime. I met people and went to new places I’ll remember forever, and they hold a special place in my heart.  The trip itself showcased new sights and stories that I was lucky to experience - and even luckier to experience with my friends, Mr Lane, and Mrs Lowe. Sheridan.

 

The 2023 Outback Mission Experience was such a profound experience, it’s hard to find the words to truly do it justice. To be given the opportunity to travel to the other side of the country and experience first-hand such new and rich cultures was life-changing. Meeting the kids at the PCYC was such a heart-warming and eye-opening experience, one that helped me realise how incredibly lucky, but also sheltered, we are here in the Highlands. Niamh.

 

The Outback Mission Experience was a life-changing trip. We were taught so much about Indigenous culture and I was able to learn a lot about myself as well. It was so special to be able to meet with and befriend so many Indigenous kids and form such a strong connection with them. Emily D.

 

It was a life-changing experience filled with amazing scenery, and offers you a chance to really understand aboriginal communities in Western Australia on a personal level. Swimming in Lake Argyle and toad-busting was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I would do again in a heartbeat.  Bridie.

 

The 2023 Outback trip was definitely one to remember. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I highly recommend it to all students. I made so many different and meaningful connections with the community, teachers, peers and cane toads. I will forever remember the Top End. Amelia W. 

 

The experience of the 2023 Outback Mission Trip was one that could never be matched again. Although we had our slight bumps in the road at times, we created a space for one another to be truly connected and comfortable, encouraging each other to try out new experiences and create everlasting memories. We met people from all walks of life and shared our stories and life journey while uniting in laughter and tears. The nights of journaling and swag parties gave us a chance to reflect on the days before, and served as a way to relive all the memories that were shared along the way. The people we met and places we saw truly became a part of our lives and will have a lasting imprint on us as a group. Emily W.

 

A highlight from the outback trip would be engaging and learning about the Aboriginal culture by participating in a culture tour with Selena. Highlights included learning about the Dreamtime stories, art and traditional practices including spear-throwing, which I wasn’t particularly good at. Abbey.