The Derby Immersion is an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my days. The trip started with a detour to Port Hedland and this diversion was to foreshadow the schedule of the trip. Covid-19, the heat and several bus breakdowns wreaked havoc on our itinerary, however, the flexible and variable nature of our schedule actually layered the adventure.

The opportunity to experience the colours and landscapes of Broome and Derby and the vastness of the region really is an opportunity of a lifetime. Windjana Gorge is a sight that will be etched in my mind forever. The grandeur of the natural scenery was breathtaking, yet the experience would not be the same if I didn’t have a great group of mates to share the journey with. The sense of community shared with the local people was a particular highlight of this trip for me. Talking and interacting with some of the local kids, swimming in gorges, sliding down mud banks and hiking mountains with the kids on our backs or in our shadows are certainly memorable moments.

Adversity often reveals interesting and unforgettable moments. The bus broke down, it was 35+ degrees and the realisation that we might be there for a while finally began to set in. The hour passed slowly, however, we were elated to hear the rumbling sound of rescue. The looming anticipation of air-conditioning approaching our rescue bus caused us to break out in song. These incidental moments can’t be scripted into an itinerary, yet they are some of the moments I will remember forever.

The trip's success can certainly be attributed to the teachers who navigated the journey with us. Their efforts were very much appreciated by all the boys on the trip. I know I speak on behalf of the group when I offer all the teachers a sincere and heartfelt 'Thank you'.

The Derby Immersion was an amazing experience that the whole group extremely enjoyed and got so much out of. We all got so much out of the experience and gained so much. Personally, I enjoyed meeting all the Indigenous students at Holy Rosary School, they were so cute and happy. I also enjoyed listening to all the Indigenous people and their stories, I found them really interesting and some heartbreaking when they spoke about being a part of the stolen generation. I also enjoyed all the amazing places we got to go see, that I would never otherwise be able to see. We got to climb Mount Anderson, go to Windjana Gorge and go to Cable beach, among many more amazing places. I also enjoyed the company of the whole trip, all the boys got on really well and I got to know students really well who I otherwise would not have. The teachers and staff were also really good to be around and they made it really fun. I am extremely grateful for the effort Mr Hunter and the other staff put in, and that I was lucky enough to go on the life-changing experience.

The Derby immersion is an immersion unlike any other. We have done and seen things that some kids could only dream of and see through a photo. Through the bear dry heat of the Kimberley, we saw the culture that presents stories of over thousands of years. We visited sights that most people often never see like the cave paintings which are cherished by the communities. We often have laughs around the campfire as a group and everyone was connected, you would never be excluded by the group and always loved by everybody. As a group we would often struggle through our long hikes and the sweltering heat but as a group move forward together as one. It was more than a privilege it was an honour. If anyone was ever considering going to derby I say to apply and put your passion into it for it is an opportunity like no other.