KTTC Building Connections in Yarrabah

Mr Mal Muir and Mrs Nicole Cryer from KTTC, recently accompanied eight students from Years 10 to 12 on a mission trip to Yarrabah in Far North Queensland.

Located on the coast, approximately 50 minutes south of Cairns, Yarrabah is home to around 4,500 people and is Australia’s largest Aboriginal community.

It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, but its history is complex. The community is home to Aboriginal people whose ancestors came from many different parts of Australia, after being removed from their traditional lands and brought to Yarrabah.

Each day, the King’s team travelled from Cairns to Yarrabah, where they spent time connecting with local children and families. Our students played with children at the school and later at the PCYC, introducing them to some exciting new games and quickly forming meaningful relationships.

Max N, one of our barbering students, used his skills to provide haircuts for the men and boys of Yarrabah. Female hairdressers from Cairns also generously offered hair services to the girls and women of the community.

Our students embraced every opportunity to spend time with the children. They played sports and games, gave countless piggyback rides and hugs, distributed toys and took part in an unforgettable water balloon battle between King’s and Yarrabah.

It was difficult to tell which team won, but everyone finished the afternoon soaked and smiling.

The team also prepared a barbecue dinner for the community and presented Yarrabah with a brand-new six-burner barbecue.

Later, our students led an evening church service, which included a play featuring many of the local children.

A particularly meaningful moment occurred when the girls in our team met with some of the older Christian women of Yarrabah.

Together, they shared their experiences, stories and hearts, creating a special time of encouragement and connection across generations.

Throughout the trip, our students demonstrated compassion, enthusiasm and a genuine love for the people they met.

Deep connections were formed with the young people of Yarrabah, and many tears were shed when it was time to say goodbye.

The experience had a profound impact on our students. Every one of them expressed a desire to return to Yarrabah next year.

We pray that the friendships formed, the love shared and the seeds of faith planted during this trip will continue to make a difference in the lives of Yarrabah’s next generation.

Just as importantly, our students returned home changed by the generosity, warmth and stories of the remarkable people they had come to know.