For our end of term outing, the group booked in a boxing session at the Collingwood Youth Club. This is the kind of place which oozes Australian boxing history. Amateur champions, national champions and Olympic champions have all been trained in this gym with its walls adorned in Muhammad Ali posters and other boxing champions.

Our lively instructor Andy took us through a warmup which left us out of breath! A sign of what was to come. The workout took us to the bags where we learnt techniques on punching, stance and combinations. The moment the young participants had been waiting for – stepping into the ring – where there was a rope tied between the ends, diving the ring in half. Here the guys practised a one-two hit, duck under the rope and repeat. This was the highlight for us and naturally, the guys started asking questions about Mike Tyson, Muhammed Ali and on boxing technique.

We finished the session with a ten-minute circuit session, testing our core strength mostly and showing us how tough it is to be a boxer! Andy was inspirational and encouraging with the guys. Boxing is more than hitting the other person. It is about discipline, control, respect and humbling yourself. We all left tired but felt so good. For the Thursday participants especially, this was the most engaged they had been and hopefully they walked away inspired, or at least a little bit fitter!

I would like to thank Anthony Ferraro our volunteer for supporting the group on the day and for our instructor Andy from Zembrzuski Training for such a great session.

Tim

Open House is currently in need of volunteers for the following programs:

• Team member to help run Backyard Sports in local parks
• Friends of Open House to organise community events
• Someone with carpentry/practical skills for the Youth Workshop Mentoring Program
• Someone who enjoys cooking for Tuesdays meal
• Person who enjoys gardening to be involved with our Garden Club
• Person with knowledge of bike maintenance for our Bike Hut

STEP ONE:

Contact Open House via any of the following channels:

• Online expression of interest form
• office@openhousecic.org.au
• (03) 9450 7600

STEP TWO:

Our volunteer coordinator will contact you and arrange an interview to discuss what volunteer opportunities are available that match your interests, skills, and availability. They’ll also ask you to complete the necessary paperwork, including a police check application.

STEP THREE:

On successfully completing the above, you will be invited to attend necessary training. Once you finish your training, you’re finally ready to commence your new role.