As a 15-year-old, Sharks fullback Will Kennedy made a decision that would define his life: leaving the comforts of home in Bathurst to move to the big smoke and chase his NRL dream.
Boarding at Kirinari Hostel in Sylvania Heights proved to be the making of the proud Gamilaroi man, who has gone on to play 134 games for Cronulla.
Catering for Indigenous boys in Year 7-12 from around Australia, Kirinari Hostel enabled Kennedy to study at famed rugby league nursery Endeavour Sports High School while forging his way through the Sharks development system.
Now, the scene is set for more talented athletes to follow in Kennedy's footsteps, with Kirinari planning to develop into a specialised sports hostel – complete with top-tier training and recovery facilities including ice baths and an infrared sauna.
Kennedy couldn't recommend Kirinari Hostel or Endeavour highly enough.
"This is where part of my journey started," the 28-year-old said.
"I came down at the start of Year 10 from Bathurst. I moved in with 20 other boys. My younger cousin from Walgett was actually here for footy and to get more opportunities, so I thought I'd get more opportunities in Sydney.
“You have to grow up a little bit quicker and rely on yourself. You learn how to do your own washing, iron your own clothes for school and stuff.
"It's all part of growing up. It was a bit of sacrifice that I had to make to move down from Bathurst. The boys around me really helped me make my footy dream come true; they made it a lot easier so I didn't get homesick."
The skills and discipline drilled into Kennedy at Kirinari complemented his schooling at Endeavour, where he was part of the Clontarf program, which aims to support First Nations students in their wellbeing and education.
Endeavour Sports High School and the Clontarf Foundation are partners of the Kirinari Hostel, all helping to foster a strong sense of belonging and culture.
“The school was really good," Kennedy said of his Endeavour days.
"The coaches and the teachers really got behind us, especially Dave Howlett. He was a big one coming through my footy career when I was younger. And going through the Sharks development system, Steve Kelly helped me out a lot."
Benjamin Fleming, Head of Boarding at Kirinari Hostel, highlighted the organisation's development into a tailored home for aspiring First Nations athletes.
Alongside Kennedy, Kirinari Hostel also counts former Sydney Swans AFL player James Bell and Harry Williams – the first Indigenous Socceroo – as alumni.
"We've been here 60 years, however the last six months we've started to move into a sports hostel to cater for any kid that has a dream to be in Sydney and play sport, whether that be rugby league or different," Fleming said.
"There's a lot of opportunity. We're slowly, over the next little while, changing things, but we do have a gym, Yarning Circle, pool, basketball court.
"We're trying to give kids an opportunity to be educated. Kirinari means a place of learning, so the goal is to invite kids from the country or from community into Sydney to give them an opportunity to explore who they are and chase a dream."
Kennedy was joined by fellow Indigenous teammates Braydon Trindall and Jesse Ramien in visiting his former home before Christmas, making pizzas and catching up with the residents – many of whom hope to one day be in his shoes.
The Sharks No.1 urged anyone considering a move to Kirinari to take the leap.
“It can be a bit scary at the start, but there's a lot of support at the hostel. All the house parents, teachers and especially the boys have a lot of support," he said.
"It's a bit of a sacrifice that you have to make for more opportunity in Sydney. We don't have much opportunity back in the country or wherever they're coming from. It's a good place and a good start."
To learn more about Kirinari Hostel or register your interest, CLICK HERE or contact Benjamin Fleming ([email protected] or 0491 217 010).
Kirinari Hostel fees are fully covered for students eligible for ABSTUDY Living Away from Home. To check eligibility, please call the Centrelink ABSTUDY line on 1800 132 317 or refer to the Services Australia website for more information.
