From 2–5 September 2025, Lilla outstation in the Watarrka National Park once again came alive with energy, laughter, and learning as students from Papunya School and Yipirinya School gathered for the annual Lilla Sports & Storytelling Festival.

Continuing the much-loved theme “It’s Cool to Go to School!”, the 2025 festival brought together sport, storytelling, and cultural learning in a fun and meaningful way, creating lasting memories for students, volunteers, and community members alike.

Inspiring Education in Remote Communities

The Lilla Sports & Storytelling Festival was created to promote the importance of education to students living in remote communities by providing them with opportunities to learn through sport, art, and storytelling. The festival aims to inspire school attendance and engagement by showing that learning can be fun.

By connecting schools, volunteers, and local community members, the event helps strengthen relationships, build confidence, and encourage students to dream big, both in and outside the classroom.

Four Days of Fun, Culture and Connection

Over the four days, students enjoyed a full program of activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. There were drama games, art workshops where students decorated their own canvas bags, and plenty of footy and sports matches that kept the energy high.

A highlight for many was the Lilla cultural walk with local Elders, who shared stories and knowledge of Country, helping students connect with the land and its traditions. The group experienced the Kings Canyon Light Towers, a helicopter landing at Lilla, and a reptile show that sparked curiosity and excitement. Students also enjoyed a special meal at Kings Canyon Resort, giving them a chance to relax and socialise.

Hands-on learning continued with a cooking class hosted by Discovery Parks, and ranger presentations that introduced students to the incredible work being done to protect local ecosystems and wildlife.

Volunteer Reflections

For many volunteers, the 2025 festival was a highlight of the year and a deeply rewarding experience.

“It was an amazing experience to be at Lilla for the first time. The kids were fun, energetic and got really into all the activities that had been planned. Seeing the kids having a good time and doing something different from their day to day made the whole trip very rewarding. Being taken on the cultural walk around Lilla was a real highlight and a memory I’ll never forget,” one volunteer shared.

Another reflected, “I loved seeing the kids so energetic, happy and involved in the week. Over the course of the three days we all got to know the kids really well and it was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves so much.”

Thank you!

The Watarrka Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Lilla Sports & Storytelling Festival such a success. The festival was made possible through the generous support and time of volunteers from Discovery Parks Australia, Dentons, CBA, Karrke Tours, Have a Ball Foundation, Figjam & Co, St Catherine's Catholic Primary School, and Remote Tours. Their teamwork and enthusiasm helped create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

We also acknowledge and thank the Foundation’s supporters for their ongoing commitment to helping create opportunities for young people in the Watarrka region, with a special thanks to LawSki, who raised significant funds towards this year's event. Your support makes it possible to deliver programs like the Lilla Sports & Storytelling Festival.

To support the Foundation and our projects within the Northern Territory this holiday season, make a donation at www.givenow.com.au/watarrkafoundation