Strength through sport and culture

"It’s always a great feeling. Every time I run out onto the field, always knowing I get to represent my Mob, where I come from and my family too” – Taimana Elers

Who am I?

I’m Taimana and I am a proud Aboriginal man from the Worimi and Awabakal communities. I recently graduated from Hunter Sports High School. Sport has been at the heart of my journey, shaping my identity as both a player and a leader. From the moment I joined the school’s sporting teams, I found connection, pride and purpose.

My journey

Throughout high school, I represented my school and community in Indigenous touch football and rugby league, while also being part of other competitive teams. These experiences taught me discipline and resilience and gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles such as School Captain. Balancing sport, studies and leadership responsibilities was challenging, but it gave me skills that will stay with me for life.

HPGE opportunities & the Nanga Mai Awards

As a high potential student, I was supported through a range of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities related to the Physical Domain and my sporting abilities. These programs helped me develop not only my physical skills, but also my leadership and academic abilities. My achievements were also recognised when I received the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Awards (Secondary) 2022 at the Nanga Mai Awards, celebrating excellence among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students across New South Wales.

“You can't be any more proud of a young Aboriginal student with not only the talent that he's shown on the sports fields, the rugby league field, the touch field, but it's the young person and the young man that he's become through our school." - Rachel Byrne, Principal, Hunter Sports High School

Connection to Culture & Identity

My cultural identity has been a driving force throughout my journey. As a School Captain and team member, I ensured that cultural pride and practices were part of school life. Whether through sharing stories at assemblies, participating in Aboriginal representative teams, acknowledging Country at sporting events or mentoring younger Aboriginal students, I made sure culture was always front and centre.

What I’ve learned & where I’m heading

Looking forward, I plan to pursue further employment and education while continuing to mentor younger Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, showing that success in sport and leadership is deeply connected to community and culture and they have the ability to achieve that.

Find out more

If you’re interested in learning more about High Potential and Gifted Education you can have a conversation with your school or check out the Advice for parents and carers of high potential and gifted students.