The 19-strong team that crossed the Pacific to Fiji divided into two teams to deliver sport and music programs in Vunidawa and Nadonumai, in the Suva region. Four song were produced during the tour:

• Tacirua
• Sometimes
• Sing & Dance
• Maroroya Na Yagoma
  

After visiting four schools within three days, both teams had many stories to share. Here are some reflections from role model and cricketer, Anthony Brooks:

Day 1

The welcome and reception received by the Red Dust team made the hair on the back of our necks tingle. A master of ceremonies welcomed us to the school and the local community at assembly. The headmaster praised the Almighty for giving the school such an opportunity. He expressed thanks to all those who had made this program possible, stating that we were the school's first international visitors.

The dancing and entertainment that followed was a moving gesture of welcome and blessings to us, and the positive attitude and passion of these children inspired all those watching. 

Our visit coincided with World Food Day, which saw the Red Dust team judge a food display. Groups sourced local produce and beautifully presented the items for the competition. A few of the students sang a song to us about the food, with one student dressed in an orange outfit with a mask simulating a carrot.

The enthusiasm and simplicity of this school's effort reinforced the basics that are required for a wonderful education. The importance of nutrition, physical activity and the family, embraced in an enjoyable learning environment.  Paddy, Chris and Pauli worked tirelessly with the children, teaching them footy skills and playing games that ensured they were grinning from ear to ear all day long.

Justine's netball activities especially hit the spot with the girls. Her involvement in the classroom was fantastic, teaching the children about identity and expressing their personality through their own identity flags.

The cricket was a great success with the Macquarie cricket kits; the children have learnt how to bowl the ball towards the yellow stumps and to hit the soft yellow ball, at times towards the next village.

The natural skills and talent are immense - it's as if whatever sports or activities we conducted, they've been playing and practicing for years.

Day 2

An early start saw the team embark on our adventure into the mountains.

The remote community was raring to go, with students arriving unusually early. Rugby, netball, taekwondo, cricket, education and healthy lifestyle classroom activities filled the day's events, alongside the wonderful music program.

No morning tea break was taken by the majority of the children, as they didn't want to stop. This required the team to press on amongst tropical rain and heat. Banana Boat and Fiji water sustained our needs to soldier on and enjoy the day's activities. We finished with a performance from those involved in the music program, which saw the entire community catch on to the lyrics and clap along, prompting an encore for all to join in. It was a fitting finish to a wonderful community visit. Hopefully it is just the beginning of further visits and a sustained commitment.