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 Aboriginal Hostels Limited's Kirinari Sylvania Hostel proved to be the making of the proud Gamilaroi man, who has gone on to play 134 games for Cronulla.
Supporting First Nations male secondary students from regional and remote communities, Kirinari Sylvania Hostel enabled Kennedy to live in Sydney and attend the famed Endeavour Sports High School while pursuing his rugby league pathway through the Sharks development system.
The Kirinari Sylvania Hostel continues to provide pathways for male First Nations secondary students with an interest in sport while supporting and encouraging culture. Students have access to training and wellbeing facilities that support healthy and active lifestyles, helping to create an environment where talented athletes can hopefully one day follow in Kennedy's footsteps.
Kennedy couldn't recommend Kirinari Sylvania Hostel or Endeavour Sports High School 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 Kennedy developed at Kirinari Sylvania Hostel complemented his schooling at Endeavour, where he was part of Clontarf – a program that helps First Nations students in their wellbeing and education journey.
The partnership between Kirinari Sylvania Hostel, Endeavour Sports High School and the Clontarf Foundation creates a strong sense of belonging, connection to culture and opportunity for First Nations students pursuing their goals.
"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."
Aboriginal Hostels Limited CEO Shane Hamilton PSM said Kirinari Sylvania Hostel reflects the organisation's broader commitment to providing pathways for First Nations students who relocate for education and opportunity.
Alongside Kennedy, Kirinari Hostel Sylvania also counts former Sydney Swans AFL player James Bell and Harry Williams – the first Indigenous Socceroo – as alumni.
"Aboriginal Hostels Limited has been around for over 50 years, and Kirinari Sylvania Hostel is part of that legacy. This hostel plays an important role in supporting First Nations students who relocate to Sydney to pursue their education, sporting and other future goals. We're proud to provide a culturally safe environment where young people can stay connected to culture while building confidence and exploring opportunities in education, sport and life," said Shane.
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 Sylvania Hostel 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 Sylvania Hostel or register your interest, CLICK HERE or contact the Head of Boarding, Benjamin Fleming ([email protected] or 0491 217 010).
Kirinari Sylvania 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.
