Community programs recognised ahead of top honour

It's no secret that rugby league is an institution among communities and a powerful vehicle to drive positive change in Queensland.

As the glue that binds people together… the game also serves as an optimistic influence with many social issues, and this has been seen time and time again right across the state.

To reflect and celebrate this, Queensland Rugby League has this season introduced the Auswide Bank Community Program of the Year which recognises and rewards excellent and innovative community programs coordinated by clubs and / or leagues which significantly improve outcomes for their community and fosters a culture of learning, supporting and sharing of excellent practice.

With nominations now closed, three worthy nominees have been short-listed to take out the top gong, which will be announced next Thursday, August 19.

The nominees

Murgon Mustangs' domestic violence round

In May, the Murgon Mustangs conducted a domestic violence awareness round; which saw all the club's rugby league games played at the one venue, as well as the Stanwell Nines (nine-a-side mens competition). There were also educational programs leading up to the day conducted in schools and clubs.

In 2021, the club partnered with the NRL's Voice Against Violence program - conducted by Canberra Raiders legend Alan Tongue - and the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation to conduct a number of workshops across South Burnett schools and clubs around the dynamics and dangers of domestic violence in the community.

This program was conducted in seven schools and with six club teams, reaching in excess of 500 youth and young adults in the area. It was run in mid-May; incorporating the Queensland Police Service who further partnered in the delivery of the awareness material.

In addition to the workshops, Murgon featured in the domestic violence community stakeholder dinner and involved every stakeholder - government and non-government - within the South Burnett who has been involved in the prevention of domestic violence; including providing support, assistance and education to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.

The weekend of action culminated with the Frank Fisher Invitational XIII taking on the Queensland Police Service in a game to promote the domestic violence awareness message.

Queensland Wheelchair Rugby League's inaugural State Cup

Queensland Wheelchair Rugby League allows people of all genders - both able-bodied and disabled - to play an inclusive, adaptive form of rugby league.

The first ever State Cup brought together three teams, from North Queensland, Central Queensland and South East Queensland, to contest the Wheelchair Rugby League tournament across one weekend in May, 2021.

The teams consisted of a mix of 10 disabled and able-bodied players to play in a round-robin tournament before progressing to the State Cup final to determine the Wheelchair Rugby League state champions.

It endeavoured to promote the wheelchair rugby league game to a wider, mainstream audience as an alternative to the running game.

Wide Bay Rugby League's statewide competitions inclusion

Wide Bay is a unique region in Queensland.

With the challenge of great distances between leagues and the area not having a direct relationship with an Intrust Super Cup club, it relies on staff and volunteers to unite so the region can provide the same pathway opportunities as others in Queensland.

In 2021, the area joined together to form teams in the Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup and Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls competitions to take part in the QRL's statewide competitions junior programs, providing a pathway for local players to stay at home where they did not have to travel or move away to be included in elite football opportunities.

Targeting males aged 16-18 and females aged 15-19, the region were successful in their participation and used these players as role models for boys and girls involved in the region's RISE program held throughout the year.