Small Steps, Big Impact: Kate Colahan’s Passion for Outback Athletics

Kate Colahan has a vision: to see even more athletes from Rio Tinto Athletics for the Outback (AFTO) competing at the national level, representing their communities and showcasing the potential that lies in remote regions of Australia. To anyone who knows her, it’s no surprise that she’s well on her way to making it happen. Kate embodies the spirit of AFTO—driven, relentless, and wholeheartedly committed to the mission of connecting with remote communities through the power of athletics.

A fundamental movement coach for Athletics Australia, Kate regularly returns to Weipa, North Queensland, dedicating a week at a time to nurturing the seeds of athletic interest AFTO has sown. For Kate, these visits aren’t just work—they’re her passion brought to life. “Connecting with these remote communities is a privilege for me,” she shares. “These are towns that so few people from the city ever visit. Without Rio Tinto’s support, I wouldn’t be here, and these kids wouldn’t have the same chance to participate in athletics.”

Those chances mean everything to Kate. Whether it’s engaging a large majority of students at a sports day, placing standout talents in athletics programs, or simply sparking a love for sport that keeps kids coming to school, Kate sees success in every small step forward. “Success is small steps,” she says. “Every small step that isn’t a step backward is a success.”

Rio Tinto Athletics For The Outback has steadily increased its engagement within Weipa over the past three years. Starting with one visit in 2022, the program expanded to three visits in 2023 and achieved significant growth this year with eight, reaching over a thousand participants across schools and communities at each stop.

The community in Weipa has come to know Kate as more than just a coach; she’s an advocate, mentor, and spark for enthusiasm. At Western Cape College, where she delivers these programs, the excitement she brings is palpable. She recounts a memorable moment with 50 Grade 9 students, teaching the seven functional movements: squat, pull, push, lunge, hip hinge, rotate, ambulate. “I said, ‘Give me an everyday thing you do when you squat… we’ll bend down to hang out the washing. But if Nana doesn’t do that, she bends sideways, falls, and breaks her hip. Nana’s dead.’” The room erupted in laughter but stayed attentive. Moments like these remind Kate that connection is at the heart of learning.

The impact of Kate’s presence goes beyond athletics. Brittany Nolan, Head of Health, Physical Education, and Arts at Western Cape College, has seen firsthand how students respond. “We get kids we haven’t seen all year showing up when Kate is here. They come for the chance to be part of something exciting and end up re-engaging with school.”

Kate’s reach doesn’t stop at inspiring participation; she’s determined to find and foster talent. Jarvin, a Grade 7 student who stayed with her in Brisbane to compete in state championships, placed third in the 100m. Her support helped him push his limits, encouraging him to train with older, faster peers. His success inspired others to join, creating a ripple effect that draws even more students into the fold.

Her commitment has changed the course for many, including Blake Gregory, a First Nations athlete. Kate’s support helped him stay in school and work toward an athletics scholarship at Mars College, where he’ll train with a pole vault coach. “I can’t see a kid with talent and not do everything I can to nurture it,” Kate says. It’s this unwavering dedication that sets her apart.

Kate doesn’t just coach; she builds pathways. By training teachers and running Level 1 officiating and coaching courses, she empowers others to sustain the momentum of AFTO. Sports coordinator Tacita de Tournouer recalls, “Having Kate on the ground during our carnival gave the teachers confidence and raised the bar for what we could achieve.”

But Kate’s day doesn’t end when the school bell rings. After eight hours at Western Cape, she heads to the cricket oval to host evening clinics for kids and adults alike. “Her impact extends far beyond the school gates,” Brittany notes. Kate plans to extend this influence further by offering coaching courses to Grade 11 and 12 students, giving them qualifications that can turn into employment and continued community involvement.

It’s not an easy road for many of these aspiring athletes. Costs for travel, accommodation, and other expenses for competition can be significant. “A one-hour flight from Weipa to Cairns can be upwards of a thousand dollars,” says Brittany. But Kate finds ways to rally support networks of private individuals, schools and communities to bridge the gaps. 

Kate Colahan’s passion isn’t just about finding the next star; it’s about giving every child a chance to participate. With continued support from Rio Tinto, she’s determined to keep pushing forward, one small success at a time.

By Rio Tinto
Posted 21/11/2024