News

Breaking barriers on the Murray River

By Ryan Bellingham

Nov 20, 2025

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation has teamed up with its regional counterparts, local schools and NSW Police for the Massive Murray Paddle in a bid to break down barriers. Pictured are Dorinda Watson, Carlie Jones, Vanessa Handy and Indi Atkinson. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Massive Murray Paddle participants kayaked to Moama Beach with a purpose on Wednesday, November 19.

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Among the convoy arriving from Picnic Point in the afternoon were 41 Aboriginal youths from Echuca, Kyabram, Deniliquin and Bendigo.

While it has participated previously, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation joined forces with its regional counterparts to create a larger, united team this year.

Njernda acting executive director Nadine Wright said this year’s focus was on connecting students and teachers, with local high-school staff participating.

“We’re doing so much work with the schools. It created the opportunities of teachers paddling with the young people and building different relationships along the water,” she said.

“I think we’ve really succeeded in that space.”

NSW Police personnel from the Murray River Police District, NSW Youth Command and Southern Region District are also involved in the initiative.

Ms Wright said if students weren’t paired with a teacher in a kayak, they would be paddling with an officer.

Around 35 officers are camping with the youth team at Morning Glory River Resort in Moama over five days, helping to further break down barriers and stigma between both parties.

Murray River Police District Inspector Paul Huggett said the event helped officers to form a bond with local youth.

“We spend a lot of time training together and on the river during the paddle. It’s really amazing to see the transformation of the kids involved,” he said.

“We really work as a team and build that trust, to help each other get through what can be a really gruelling paddle.”

Teams involved in the paddle can nominate to raise money for a cause close to their hearts, with the youth team choosing to fundraise for the Black Dog Institute.

Ms Wright said that in addition to building trust with authority figures, the event increased social connection among the students, and promoted personal growth.

“It’s been absolutely amazing to see their resilience grow among them,” she said.

“Connecting with other Aboriginal people or their own mob, and realising that they’re connected or related, that’s been really good.”

The event will finish at Koondrook on Friday, November 21, marking the end of a five-day, 415km journey.