Program provider: Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm is one of the most popular and successful sporting teams in the country. They are the only rugby league club in Victoria that plays in the NRL, representing communities across the entire state.
Storm has developed a Community Strategy that delivers programs for three key community groups: First Nations, Māori & Pasifika and All Abilities.
Program description
The Storm Waka in-school program is a 6-week classroom program for secondary students. It is designed mainly for young Pasifika students, but it can be adapted for other student groups.
The program supports students who may be at risk of becoming disconnected from school or community.
Storm Waka uses the Fonofale Model, a Pacific model of health and wellbeing. It draws on values linked to rugby league, such as teamwork, hard work, resilience and leadership, and applies them to everyday life.
Students take part in one session each week over 6 weeks. The program covers:
- cultural values and identity
- inclusion, empathy and belonging
- wellbeing and self-awareness
- leadership and positive choices
- social and emotional learning
- reflection on personal values and what matters most
The final week includes a school-based graduation to celebrate the group. Students are also encouraged to complete the program through incentives such as a Storm Waka t-shirt and tickets to a Melbourne Storm match.
The program helps students build confidence, connection and engagement in school and community.
Intended outcomes
- Improved school engagement and attendance (1)
- Stronger connection to school and learning (3)
- Increased sense of belonging and inclusion (4)
- Improved confidence, motivation and self-belief (7)
- Improved communication and social skills (8)
- Increased resilience and coping skills (11)
- Better self-management and positive choices (12)
- Improved leadership skills (15)
- Stronger connection to community and local supports (17)
- Increased cultural connection, pride and identity (18)
Program details
| Target audience | Young Pasifika students (can be adapted for other student groups) |
|---|---|
| Delivery window | During school hours |
| Program duration | 1 class period per week over 6 weeks |
| Group size | Up to 30 students (ideally 1 class per school) |
| Geographic availability | Available across LGAs in the north, east, south and west of Melbourne. Confirm availability with the provider before booking |
| Delivery setting | School-based |
| Program availability | 2026–2029, Terms 1 – 4 |
| Provider notes and assumptions |
|
| Suitable for specialist schools and settings | No |
| Program category | Wellbeing and personal development |
| Procurement category | Wellbeing and personal development - Term program - Pasifika audience with wellbeing and rugby focus [bespoke] |
| Program contact | Elena Euese E: eeuese@melbournestorm.com.au M: 0413 221 74 |
| Link to external website | Storm Waka | Storm |
| Provider has Betrayral of Trust Insurance | Yes |
| Supervision and duty of care | School to confirm supervision requirements and duty of care arrangements with provider when booking. |
Core program costs
| Activity | Total cost (ex GST) | Total cost (inc GST) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student resources, including program booklets and Waka t-shirt, cultural workshops, staffing and players | $5,079 | $5,079 | Up to 30 students in each classroom program |
Additional costs or optional extras
| Activity | Total cost (ex GST) | Total cost (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment, including footballs and cones, to be used in active sessions | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Cultural and sporting advisors for workshops | $1,500 | $1,500 |
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