
Building Strength Through Culture and Connection
An Indigenous-led youth empowerment program combining fitness, cultural connection, and on-country healing in Mount Isa and Doomadgee communities.
Indigenous young people are vastly overrepresented in the youth justice system. In Mount Isa, many face cycles of disengagement, contact with police, and a system that punishes rather than heals. The community needs solutions that address root causes — not more of the same.
BG Fit's CAMPFIRE framework (Culture, Ancestral Wisdom, Mentoring, Personal Growth, Fitness, Identity, Resilience, Empowerment) disrupts this cycle. By combining physical fitness with cultural healing, Elder mentorship, and positive relationships, we create pathways that lead to pride, not prison.
Six core programs that combine physical fitness with cultural healing, mentorship, and community connection.
52 sessions per year at Brodie's gym — boxing, strength training, and mentoring in a safe, culturally grounded space.
4 on-country experiences each year with Elders, traditional practices, yarning circles, and leadership development.
Individualised support plans, advocacy, and check-ins to help young people navigate challenges and build resilience.
Monthly family activities that strengthen connections and build a community of support around each young person.
Supporting young people into education, training, and employment through mentoring and practical skills development.
Peer support networks, positive police-youth engagement, and guest sportspeople providing culturally strong role models.
On country, in the gym, and in the community

On-country camp activities

Youth fitness session at BG Fit gym

CAMPFIRE community gathering

Cultural camp on country

Mount Isa mentoring program

Youth engagement and connection

Pita Pita Waka'i man
Founder & Program Leader
A proud Pita Pita Waka'i man from Mount Isa, Brodie has dedicated his life to helping young people find strength through fitness and cultural connection. As a gym owner and community leader, he understands that showing up consistently changes lives. Through BG Fit, Brodie combines his passion for boxing and fitness with deep cultural knowledge to create transformative experiences for Indigenous youth.
Everything we do is grounded in culture. Elders guide our programs, traditional practices shape our camps, and cultural identity drives healing.
We believe in strengths-based approaches. Young people aren't problems to fix — they're leaders to nurture.
This is community-owned and community-driven. Brodie lives in Mount Isa, knows these young people, and shows up every day.
Fitness is the foundation, but we support the whole person — mental health, family, education, employment, and cultural connection.
Youth Justice Kickstarter Grant
Youth Justice Queensland · $280,000 · July 2025 – February 2027
Know a young person who could benefit from CAMPFIRE? Referrals come from schools, police, Youth Justice, families, and community members.
Get updates on programs, events, and community stories.