​Day 1- Tuesday 30th April 2019
Today I woke up bursting with excitement but also could feel the nerves building up leading into tonight’s game. After arriving in Darwin I could instantly feel the heat and humidity and knew that we weren’t in Adelaide anymore. Tonight’s game was tough as this was our first interstate tournament and everyone was new to the 3 on 3 concept. We started off slow but started to adapt as the game went on, showing glimpses of what we are capable of. It was also great to see that we had support from the Aboriginal Netball Academy who cheered us on from start to finish. After the game I felt quite sore but pumped to get into the next game. Unfortunately we didn’t get the win but during our team meeting we discussed what we did well and what we need to bring into game 2 to put ourselves in the best position to play Kaurna Boomerangs hockey. 
Day 2- Wednesday  1st May 2019
Day 2 in sunny Darwin was a blast as we kickstarted our morning off by showing our support to the Aboriginal Netball Academy who came and supported us last night. Then went on to pay a visit to crocodylus park to see some not so good friends in the crocodiles, we were able to get up close to crocs like brutus and prince and were even lucky enough to feed them. After learning about these magnificent creatures I became inspired to be fast, hungry and ferocious in the remaining two games. We started strong tonight and really began to play Boomerangs hockey, everyone went to a whole new level and played three good periods of hockey. It was a great team effort to get our first win interstate and of the series. 
Day 3- Thursday 2nd May 2019
Day number 3 in Darwin was pretty relaxed we were able to go to the shops hang out and just explore this beautiful city. The heat really started to get to me and made me feel a little homesick for nice and cool Adelaide but was a really nice change in weather. Leading into our final game of the trip I was just excited to play alongside my Boomerangs family. The game was a really great performance by all and was filled with excitement. It was amazing to see our great goalie in Max play one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play and really couldn’t wait for the final buzzer to sound to congratulate him on his performance. The biggest thing for me was seeing Jarrad who was presented with the MVP award selflessly give the award straight to Max. Later on we all sat around the pool and reflected on what a great experience we had on this trip and really soaked up the emotions that flowed through everyone as we knew this was our last night. After the meeting we all the players sat together and talked. This talk was filled with heaps of emotion as Brett became emotional as he told the group how much the trip meant to him and how much he appreciated everyone.
Day 4- Friday 3rd May 2019
Our final hours in Darwin was quite upsetting as we had to leave to go back home to Adelaide. We all hung out and just enjoyed our time talking over breakfast. On the plane I just reflected on what a great experience this was not only playing Ice hockey but building lifelong friendships with the whole group from Uncle Joey to Aunty Brittany  to our big brother Jarrad and the rest of brothers Jaidyn, Lachie, Colin, Lukey, Marko, Max, Jordy, Riley and the one only Brett the heart of our team. I would like to thank the sponsors and everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to give us young Aboriginal men the opportunity to create history.

Ice Factor Program launched the Kaurna Boomerangs year and a half ago after an initiative from two of our former students Shaquille Burgoyne and Jaidyn O'Neill. The purpose of the team was to make sure the young indigenous players in the area had a safe place to come to to keep away from trouble. 

After taking the Ice Factor Challenge Cup by storm last year the Boomerangs set their sights interstate: The vision from the leaders Marie Shaw QC and Brittany Armstrong was to take the team interstate to play games and eventually overseas. From there started the project to take this team to represent Ice Factor, indigenous people and South Australia to Darwin. 

After months and months of hard work the team was finally ready to go. In preparation the team was coached by the head coach Justine Shaw and assistant coaches Tash Farrier (Women's national team representative) and Ales Kratoska (Adelaide Adrenaline import player.) Unfortunately none of these players were available to take the trip due to professional and personal reasons. Up stepped our very own Joey Matthew who took the team leading up to the tournament and coached the team during the series as well. When we asked Joey what he thought of the trip his response was "Best experience of my life."

The team was full of excitement before the tournament and attended all the promotional events that were organised. This close and positive mentality followed the team all throughout the tournament with players experiencing bonds like they never have. One of the big mentors and leaders in the team was Northern Adelaide Senior College teacher and the first Indigenous player to play for Australia Jarrad Chester. His experience and knowledge was able to lift up every player in the team. Max Black from Hamilton Hornets was a wall in nets but was also well supported by the tenacious defence. 

The First game Boomerangs struggled with the small rink they are not used to. The Tiger Sharks took the win in that game. However after some guidance from Jarrad and Joey the team bounced back with a top effort in the game 2 to take the series in the decisive game. In game the Boomerangs were all over the Sharks and took on a convincing victory.

Now the sights are set for an even bigger catch and taking the team international. We would like to take the time to thank a ll of our supporters for this project! once again we could not have done this without you. THANK YOU!