QRL congratulates Edward Monaei on King's Honours

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Thu 13 Jun 2024, 02:09 PM

Queensland Rugby League (QRL) commends its Indigenous Advisory Committee Chair Edward Monaei following his recognition within the 2024 King's Birthday Honours list.

Monaei was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the Indigenous community, particularly through the sport of rugby league.

QRL chief executive officer Ben Ikin congratulated Monaei on the prestigious honour.

“Eddie’s recognition on the King’s Birthday Honours list reflects the significant contribution he has made to rugby league over many years,” Ikin said.

“What he’s been able to achieve with the help of his colleagues on the QRL Indigenous Advisory Committee has set strong foundations within the game.

“Rugby league will be better for Eddie’s ongoing work to make the experience for our participants safer and more inclusive.”

Monaei said it was an immense honour and privilege to be awarded the OAM.

“Sport plays a significant role in the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations peoples, not only in Queensland but throughout Australia,” Monaei said.

“It provides an opportunity to represent and showcase our identity and origins, as exemplified by our First Nations jersey designs, which have become a fundamental part of our rugby league heritage.”

Monaei said he took great pride in holding roles at both state and national levels within the sport.

“There is an abundance of work to be done, and being active in the community, collaborating with key First Nations stakeholders, is crucial,” Monaei said.

“It's necessary to ensure that local traditional customs, practices, and protocols are acknowledged, respected, and recognised as a fundamental aspect of my role, which I hold in high esteem.

“I take great pride in the groundwork laid and the safe cultural platform now established for First Nations peoples to engage in and participate in Murri and Koori carnivals.

“These events allow them to proudly showcase their culture, identity, and connection to their people and land through the beautiful game of rugby league.”

Monaei said he was immensely grateful to his family, “who have made significant sacrifices to enable me to serve our people and communities throughout Australia.”

“With this medal of recognition comes hope; the hope that we will use the game as a means to eradicate racism, to remember and learn from the rich and diverse history of our First Nations – the good and the bad – so we can progress as a reconciled nation.

“Lastly, it is our hope to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations Australians, enabling them to live longer and to preserve and pass on our cultural and historical narratives, ensuring that the legacy of our forebears is not forgotten but becomes an integral part of our culture and the game as we move forward.”