Page 28 - Port Douglas Magazine 33

The Colour Fun Run
PHOTO CREDIT: Karlie Brady
“I want to be involved in Indigenous community development – to uplift the

community and make a difference doing what I love – that is the dream.

“I love sport – I am at the gym training every morning at 4:30am, I play netball “We also need to be realistic about the challenges we face in the cycles we are
regularly, and I’ll give any competitive sport a crack. I’m currently studying in - generational trauma still affects our mob today yet people don’t always
to become a personal trainer, and my goal is to take what I learn to the Cape appreciate this. We need to identify issues ourselves and break those cycles
York communities – to use sport as a way to unite communities, to inspire but we also need the support of non-Indigenous people to do this.”
and challenge people,” she said.
Ultimately Kirsty wants to pursue performing arts and travel. “At some point
“I think sport is a key element to getting our people back on track. We know I will move away again, tour Australia and the world – I want to experience
that chronic illness is major problem facing Indigenous communities and I’d life to its fullest so I can do better, be better. I will always come home to work
like to do my part to influence positive lifestyle changes through sport – I in the community. I will end up here, I will be buried here, but first I have to
want to make it fun for people, if it’s a chore it just won’t work.” experience living to the fullest.”
Kirsty is also a talented singer-songwriter, and for those who have seen her Through her family’s strong influence and her own grit and determination,
perform, it’s clear we haven’t seen anything yet when it comes to her career Kirsty is creating a lasting legacy in the Douglas community. A meaningful
in the space. contributor who is never afraid to try something new, she is never predictable
but always purposeful, and we’re on the edge of our seats to see what comes
“I want to be involved in Indigenous community development – to uplift
the community and make a difference doing what I love – that is the dream. next for Kirsty Burchill.
Whether it’s through sport or performing arts, or a combination of both,
making a difference through my passion will be my greatest reward.”
As for Kirsty’s advice for the non-indigenous amongst us, she’s super clear:
“Take the time to understand.”
“I have a lot of time and respect for people who can admit they don’t know CONNECT VIA FACEBOOK:
much about our culture, and who come to the table to have a yarn - ready to Douglas Shire Indigenous Events Committee
be immersed in our culture and our stories,” she said.
“It’s a sad reality but we still get painted with the same brush. Stereotyping
still exists, yet we should all know better. We need to break down the stigmas
by making a real effort to understand.

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