With a focus on beautifying the village, 32 University of NSW students and staff members spent six days planting trees, mowing lawns, fixing the bus shelter, installing a tank stand and painting the primary school fence.

Aiming to reach out to indigenous communities, the project was launched in January by former Wellington resident Mick Peachey, who is now employed as the Nura Gili indigenous programs unit student liaison officer.

Back then, Mr Peachey had a vision to rebuild the basketball courts, set up an outreach medical centre and tidy up the village.

All that and more has been done, with the pilot program hugely beneficial for everyone involved.

The students spoke of how much they’d gained from the experience after forming lasting relationships, and coming to a place they wouldn’t have otherwise visited.

“Seeing the benefits of it means heaps to us,” program participant Tom Cutts said.

“Some of us wouldn’t have come to Wellington if it weren’t for this,” Alecia Wood said.

“It’s been great to share the stories and the history of the area,” April Long said.

The best part for the participants is that they have felt appreciated.

“The people have really valued what we’ve done,” Alecia said.

Mr Peachey was also pleased with the outcomes.

“Hopefully, it’s given the people more community pride,” he said.

“The students have given up their time and it has also given them insight into the difficulties of Aboriginal communities.”

For the future, Mr Peachey hopes to see the program infiltrated into other places.

“The long-term goal is

not only to get into my community but into other indigenous communities,” he said.

The volunteers sealed their new friendships with the local people by painting their handprints on the bus shelter as an everlasting reminder of their time at Nanima.