After completing a Bachelor of Science and studying Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Western Australia, Riley Dolman has set out to help realise better community outcomes in the Kimberley region.
An Eastern Arrernte man, Riley moved to the Kimberley and is now the West Kimberley Area Manager with Garnduwa Amboorny Wirnan Aboriginal Corporation, and he credits his experience as a McCusker Centre intern with Fair Game for helping lay foundations for his work in the region.
“My experiences with Fair Game throughout regional and remote WA gave me a new perspective about the work that is being done with communities. This also provided me an understanding of where my skill set could be applied in a really effective way,” Riley said.
“Since moving to the Kimberley I have lived and worked in Kununurra, Halls Creek and now Fitzroy Crossing, and have worked across many of the surrounding remote Aboriginal Communities. Garnduwa works in the community development space and works with sport and recreation, and my work has taken me to some amazing places - everyday is packed full of fun and sports.”
In his role as West Kimberley Area Manager, Riley supports staff to build capacity, create opportunity in the sport and recreation space and help young people to make healthy lifestyle choices, and facilitate self-determination for remote Aboriginal communities.
“My passion is for building and facilitating self-determination and working with young people to create better community outcomes, and I would like to work towards reducing the burden that the system has on many people in remote areas in Australia. This is a key part of true reconciliation.”
Riley’s message for current students is to make the most of opportunities that come their way.
“Always, take every opportunity. As young people, we are still learning and new interests, skills and pathways for us are created while we are learning about ourselves.”