Taimana
Strength through sport and culture
Taimana
My name is Taimana Elers. I’m a proud Aboriginal man from the Worimi tribe and also a proud Maori man from the TuWharetoa tribe.
When I was at Hunter Sports High School, I was part of the High Potential and Gifted Education Program in the physical domain, which led to the talented sporting program.
And its just led me to be a better athlete overall and also a better person.
Shaun
The more you know about yourself and the connection that you have, the more you fill up spiritually.
We know the special feeling connection gives us, so we want out young ones to feel that as well.
Taimana
It’s always a great feeling, I’m always grateful, every time I run out onto the field, always knowing I get to represent my mob, where I come from and my family too.
Rachel
Taimana is our school captain. You can’t be any more prouder of a young Aboriginal student with not only the talent that he’s shown on the sports field, the rugby league field, the touch field, but it’s the young person the young man that he’s become through our school.
That notion of high potential ensuring that our young people, can be the best that they can be in not only just the physical domain, but yet again its that creativity, that leadership. Its social and emotional that all those things make an exceptional human being and Taimana has got all that in spades.
Taimana
I think my cultural identities has helped me a lot.
You know, I’ve always had the support of the Minimbah Team here at the school.
They’ve always pushed me to be better every day.
And it’s also led to opportunities for me.
You now, for running for school captain which I ended up getting.
And I was really stoked for it.
And just all the opportunities, getting within the community as well.
And I just want to be that role model for the younger generation.
Shaun
Taimana came to us a quiet and unassuming Year 7 student, and he’s leaving us a humble, intelligent and strong mentor.
Taimana
I’m Taimana and this is My Future, My Culture, My Way.
"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.
Last modified date
02/04/2026
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