Officers from the Queensland Police Service Rural Stock and Crime Squad, along with local police, were out and about in the Miles community last weekend supporting the QRL’s Rees Orman Cultural Exchange Carnival and honouring a former officer and bush rugby league legend.
The two-day carnival, hosted by the Miles Devils Rugby League Club, attracted 13 teams from across the South West, Warwick, and Toowoomba regions, including under 14 and under 17 girls and under 14 and under 16 boys teams.
The event was also an excellent opportunity for local officers to engage and talk to the local South West community about topics that matter most to them, including personal safety, crime prevention and recruitment.
QRL Outback league and club coordinator and former Queensland police officer Peter Rafter was also honoured during the carnival for his extraordinary contribution to bush footy.
A minute’s silence was observed for Rafter, who served 28 years on the frontline and travelled hundreds of kilometres over the years to support volunteers at remote clubs, leagues, and events.
He recently passed earlier this month following a short illness.
The silence finished with the Tina Turner favourite Simply the Best, with all the players paying their respects to a man who worked tirelessly to support rugby league in the bush.
This all plays a part in the ongoing partnership between the QRL and QPS, which has been running since 2014 and allows police to engage with rural and outback communities through rugby league.
Inspector Mick Dowie said the carnival was another excellent example of the successful partnership between the QRL and QPS.
“We enjoy an excellent relationship with QRL Outback and our local clubs, and it allows us to have that greater relationship and engagement with our broader community,” Inspector Dowie stated.
“Events like the Rees Orman Cultural Exchange Carnival also provide the QPS a great opportunity to connect with players, coaching staff and their families,”
“This has also given us an excellent opportunity to pay respect to Peter Rafter and his limitless contributions to Queensland through his police service and his community service in sport."
Players celebrated for outstanding spirit
Two Queensland Outback players were recognised with the Peter Rafter Spirit of the Carnival awards.
Lyle Major from the under 16 boys and Jamika Dahlstrom from the under 17 girls were both highlighted for the honour, which is wholly based on conduct and leadership off the field.
QRL South West area manager also thanked a number of players who travelled from Toowoomba to fill in to any team who needed another number, supporting Outback and other participating clubs Benderoo Bulls, Wallumbilla-Surat Red Bulls, Chinchilla Bulldogs and Warwick & District.
Main image: Lyle Major and Jamika Dahlstrom receiving their award
