One of the “pillars” of our business at the Queensland Rugby League is about being an inclusive and diverse game.
This is highly important in all corners of society and I know that we here in the Central region work really hard to make sure we don’t just “talk the talk” but walk the walk as well.
We constantly look for opportunities to ensure we are an inclusive game and no one is missing out on what rugby league has to offer – even if it means thinking outside the box.
Later this month, we are heading out to Cherbourg for the town’s Deadly Day Out. There will be a power outage in Cherbourg as Ergon Energy works on the electricity network and so QRL Central staff are working with the NRL and Ergon Energy to make sure there’s plenty going on in town while there’s no power.
We’re talking about providing some activities for the kids, helping out with a sausage sizzle, working with Ergon Energy to hold some information sessions, and more.
It’s an opportunity to assist up in Cherbourg and bring some fun to the kids up there.
We all know what rugby league means to Cherbourg, and many communities around the Central region. It’s important to have a presence in these towns, to keep the kids engaged with the game and to celebrate rugby league.
As many know, Cherbourg is the home of Queensland Maroons winger Selwyn Cobbo and it’s also where we play the Indigenous carnival, the Frank Fisher Cup, which is always a popular one for our region.
It’s something that we haven’t been able to get off the round this year but we are committed to continuing it into the future.
As for our other communities, QRL Central recently held meetings out in the Woorabinda community to get the young folk out there up and playing rugby league again, after a three year hiatus.
There are very enthusiastic people out there, including Gerry Doyle and is Joel ‘Bowlie’ Cameron.
With assistance from the QRL’s state strategy manager, Scott Nosworthy, and the ActiveKIT funding, we’re looking to get some LeagueTag up and running on a regular basis in the community.
That funding also provides the ability for coaches and sports trainers to be accredited.
From there, we are going to help the club focus on funding to get itself up and running again, and work with a number of stakeholders to assist in making this happen.
It will be a special day when we see Woorabinda back on the field.
Elsewhere in our region, we are still enjoying a lot of footy.
The Northern District Rugby League hosted an Indigenous All Stars event at the Gin Gin Rugby League grounds on Saturday, September 3, which included a women’s League Tag match and a men’s game.
From all reports it was a great day.
This weekend we also have our South Burnett and Sunshine Coast grand finals
In South Burnett, the Murgon Mustangs will take on the Nanango Stags in A grade, while on the Sunshine Coast – where I’ll be heading – we’ll see the Maroochydore Swans take on the Beerwah Bulldogs in the men’s A grade and the Caloundra Sharks meet the Kawana Dolphins in the women’s competition.
And following this weekend, our Central seasons will all wrap up with the Toowoomba Rugby League junior and senior grand finals on September 17 and 18.
It’s a big couple of weeks but I’m sure there will be plenty of thrills and excitement along the way.
