Our ‘Meet the Staff’ blog edition continues with a recent Q&A with Leigh Stabryla, our Wanta Sports Academy Director in Ngukurr, NT. He has been with us for almost two years and is doing an amazing job – read on for a glimpse at Leigh and his many talents;
Where are you from?
I am from Geelong and I absolutely love that place.
What school did you go to?
I went to St Joseph’s Catholic College, Geelong.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I left school after Year 10 and did a three year Brick Mason Apprenticeship. After I completed that, I went to The Gordon TAFE to do a Certificate IV in ‘Aged and Community Care’, and was looking at maybe going into Nursing. Instead I decided to go with a Commerce Degree instead and got in at Deakin University majoring in Marketing, Management and HR. That took me 3 years. During this time, I worked part-time bricklaying, swim teaching and getting right into Triathlon.
After I completed my commerce degree the first job I got was back at the Gordon TAFE teaching Bricklaying. This saw me working with the ‘Vet in Schools Program’ and the ‘Pre-Apprentice Program’. I also did my Certificate IV in ‘Training & Assessment’ during this time.
After a while, I decided I would like to try Triathlon full-time. I did this for around 3 years while working as a swim teacher (my favourite previous job!) and bricklayer to supplement me financially. I moved on from that venture in 2019. I still like to keep somewhat fit and still enjoy running at least 3 times a week.
In early 2019, I was working in Kalgoorlie on a ‘Exploration Drill Rig’ which was probably the hardest job I ever worked. Then by July 2019- I was on my way out to Ngukurr to start with Wanta!
What are you doing now?
I’m currently working out in the Ngukurr Community as Director of Sports. My day generally starts by picking up students and getting them to school by 8:00am. Throughout the day I do sports activities with the students and run drumming sessions based around the ‘Rhythm 2 Recovery’ program.
I have a Wanta room within the school that is opened during recess, lunch and after school. Here the kids play the pool table, watch movies, play video games, relax and love to make a mess!
After school, the students enjoy coming to the Wanta room, they like dancing to music and making up their own choreography. After this, I run a game of basketball, football, soccer or running training.
This year has gotten off to a good start with increased attendance at the school. Lots of water flooding us in early has actually given us many opportunities to encourage more Driver Education training, alcohol education and a range of sporting activities. We have had a busy start and look forward to what’s to come!
Thank you Leigh, keep up the great work!
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