Raise The Bar

What is Raise the Bar?

Raise the Bar is an exciting residential camp program specifically for Indigenous secondary school students in years 10, 11 and 12 who aspire to participate in athletics and study at university. Athletics Australia, Athletics West and the University of Western Australia are pleased to announce our inaugural Raise the Bar Perth!

As a senior Indigenous secondary school student…What’s in it for me?

Be mentored by Indigenous tertiary students who have walked the same path as you
Meet new friends for life
Learn from some of Australia’s best athletes
Find out more about university life thanks to our wonderful partners, UWA!
Improve your athletics ability through our tailored daily training sessions
Hear from Indigenous leaders from Rio Tinto and find out what opportunities are available to you once you graduate from school as a Raise the Bar Graduate
Immerse yourself in leadership opportunities and transferrable life skill knowledge
Benefit from a support system that will assist you in your next steps after school.

This residential camp will help you elevate your ambitions to pursue further education and continue participating in athletics.

The FREE program, including air travel, ground transfers, accommodation, meals and uniform consists of a four night residence camp at the University of Western Australia. The two camps available and their dates are listed below:

The first camp is on 10/07/2023 to 14/07/2023.
The second camp is 25/09/2023 to 29/09/2023.

By participating in the program, RTB participants will:

Gain knowledge and skills in athletics - (track and field) as both an athlete and a coach
Develop their community leadership potential and deepen their passion for athletics and sport
Be inspired to successfully complete secondary school and pursue further education
Gain knowledge and skills to pursue tertiary education pathways
Be mentored by current Australian Olympians and elite athletes
Connect with industry professionals
Make connections with Indigenous business leaders and receive opportunities as a RTB participant

Key Selection Criteria

Up to 12 participants per camp will be selected to attend the prestigious Raise the Bar Perth. Program participants must meet the selection criteria outlined below:

Be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Be in Years 10 11 or 12 in 2022
Demonstrated interest in pursuing further education beyond secondary school
Demonstrated community leadership skills
Demonstrated interest in the sport of athletics

We encourage applications from:

Indigenous para-athletes and students with a disability
Students who live in metropolitan, regional or remote areas

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for either Raise the Bar camp in 2023, head to our application forms below.

Applications for the camp in July will close 12 June 2023 at 11:45 pm.

APPLY HERE

Applications for the camp in September will close 28 August 2023 at 11:45 pm.

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Raise the Bar Perth?

Raise the Bar Perth is on campus at the University of Western Australia, with accommodation at Rotary Residential College

Who will pick me up from, and return me to Perth Airport?

Upon arrival in Perth, Raise the Bar staff will meet you at a designated place at the airport. Before you leave home, we will ensure that you understand how and where to meet designated staff. We will provide you with staff contact information in the case that your flight is delayed or if you have concerns during the commute. Once on the ground in Perth, we will assist you in collecting your luggage and transport you to the University. At the end of the camp, you will once again be transported by bus to the airport where program staff will assist you with check-in procedures and ensure that you find your departure gate in plenty of time for you to board your flight.

What adult-supervision is provided for my child?

Around-the-clock supervision will provided to your child as soon as contact has been made with him/her upon arrival in Perth. Residence managers will be assigned to students for the duration of the camp.

What type of student are we looking for?

We are looking for Indigenous Secondary School students who are passionate about athletics and determined to complete secondary school and have aspirations to pursue further education. We are looking for students that are looking for ways to better themselves in order to give back to their family and community.

When is the application deadline?