Wilcannia Boomerangs coming back with interest

17 September 2009

The Wilcannia boomerangs have become a new force in western NSW League after a 10 year hiatus and the effects on this infamous town have been enormous. Wilcannia is known for everything that is wrong: drink, drugs, abuse and unemployment, however since Darren Whyman revived the town's league club things have slowly began to change.

The Boomerangs won the premiership this year and on that day when they played in Broken Hill not a soul was in the town such was the support the team has received. From under 12's to the seniors, every team has a full complement of men to choose from in their weekly battles with neighboring towns like Walgett and Ivanhoe. Since the teams formation there has been a notable change in people's psyche, renovations of public buildings - some of which are amongst the oldest in Australia – are finally taking place, less booze is being consumed and kids now have a healthy interest once again.

In no way am I saying that a sporting team can change everything, though their effect is overwhelmingly positive as it brings people together, focuses their energies and enriches a community. The Boomerangs have been able to completely refurbish their previous ground and build proper change rooms through the community support they have received since they started playing again. Locals are hoping that the town's new found optimism will translate into employment opportunities as gray nomads who pass through the town on the way to Broken Hill from Sydney, stop by and stay.

It is only through volunteers such as Darren Whyman that teams like the Boomerangs exist and a community feel is born.

Lessens from Wilcannia's experience can be translated into our industry. No doubt many companies financially support clubs such as the Boomerags yet unless there are key people there to drive it, they will never really be a success. I have seen sites and towns with all the facilities you could ever ask for have no one use them and the company(s) working in the area having huge retention issues.

Work/life balance issues are the number 1 gripe of professionals within our industry and if employees have time to enjoy and add to the community, they become a part of the community. And when someone is a part of a community, they are far more likely to stay there.

So congratulations to the Boomerangs and best of luck repeating your successes next year.