Indigenous Advisory Committee /

The role of the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) is to advise and support the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) in implementing inclusive, culturally appropriate programs and practices that recognise, respect and strengthen engagement and participation across all communities. Building on the foundations of the former Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), the CAC continues to honour and prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, while also embracing representation from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to ensure a more inclusive and connected game at all levels of rugby league.

Members of the committee

Samantha Bliss (Chair)

A respected First Nations community leader Samantha Bliss was appointed to the QRL Board as an independent director in November 2021. Having forged a career in the Queensland Police Service for close to 32 years, Bliss is a former Queensland and Australian rugby league representative who has a genuine desire to promote and develop rugby league in Queensland.

A specialist in child protection and family support with senior management experience, Samantha sits on the QRL’s Football Committee and contributes to the QRL’s child safety and member protection frameworks, and work related to the QRL’s Female Strategy, Diversity and Inclusion Framework and the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Alex Dorante

Alex Dorante is a Wagadagam, Meriam woman from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait). She began her career in radio before moving into communications roles delivering public information campaigns, media partnerships and digital content across a range of sectors. She now works in rugby league, telling stories that highlight the game’s community and social impact across Queensland.

Alongside her communications work, she has remained involved in rugby league as a freelance commentator. She is passionate about ensuring rugby league is a safe, equal and accessible game for all, and hopes in this role to contribute to a game where everyone feels welcome.

Wyatt Cook-Revell

Wyatt Cook-Revell has family connections to the Birri Gubba, Gurang Gurang, Wakka Wakka and Wangan Jagalingou peoples. He is the eldest of seven children and was born in Ipswich and raised in Gatton. Wyatt now lives and works in Brisbane as a solicitor at a global law firm.

Wyatt has been involved in community rugby league administration for more than a decade. He is passionate about the strength and power of rugby league as more than just a sport, and about its ability to bring communities together and create opportunities for young people.

Taitu’uga Kitchener Wesche

A Brisbane-based Samoan High Talking Chief, bestowed with the title Taitu’uga from the village of Sapunaoa, Falealili, Taitu’uga Kitchener Wesche is a cultural leader dedicated to strengthening cultural awareness, creativity, and community development. He has worked as a cultural consultant with organisations including the Australian Federal Police, NRL Toa Samoa, and major community events, embedding Fa’asamoa protocols into public and sporting environments. In 2023, he created the first Acknowledgement of Country delivered in the Samoan language, supporting deeper connection between Pasifika and First Nations communities.

Through partnerships with Rugby League Samoa and NRL Samoa, he has led cultural exchange initiatives, including coordinating the first Aboriginal rugby league team to tour Samoa in 2025. With over 20 years’ experience as a musician, performer, and songwriter, he has performed internationally and is recognised for his work as a beatboxer and creative collaborator. His community work focuses on empowering Indigenous and Polynesian youth, particularly in rural and regional Australia, through music, storytelling, and cultural programs.

He has contributed to initiatives with organisations such as the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience and Polynesian Youth Outreach, supporting youth leadership and creative pathways. As co-director of the Tatauiga Organization and curator of the Aiga Festival in Brisbane, he continues to create platforms that celebrate culture, connection, and community. His contributions to the arts have been recognised through performances at major festivals, TEDx Brisbane, and awards including the 2024 World Music Award and Queensland Music Awards.

John Buttigieg

A Kalkadoon and Gangalidda/Wannyi descendent who was born and raised in Townsville on the country of the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people. John is also of Maltese heritage. John currently lives in Cairns. John played from a young age for Townsville Souths and for the Nth Qld Cowboys from 1995-2003 and represented Qld in 2001/2002. John was also selected to play for the Australian Aboriginal team in 1999 that was coached by the great Arthur Beetson and defeated the Papua New Guinea team.

John is also an independent member of the QRL Northern Council and is a strong advocate for Community Rugby League and understands the importance of Rugby League in Regional and Remote communities. John has played and coached at many levels and continues to give back to the game of Rugby League.

Tracey Pickwick

Tracey is a proud Mununjali (Beaudesert) and Goreng Goreng (Bundaberg) woman, and the youngest of six children. Raised by strong role models who instilled the values of hard work, positivity, dedication and commitment, those foundations have shaped a lifelong belief in creating opportunity and achieving meaningful goals. Having lived and worked in Meeanjin throughout her life, Tracey began her career with the Aboriginal and Islander Medical Centre in Woolloongabba, supporting the delivery of holistic health care services to community. A strong connection to Queensland Rugby League has always been part of family and community life, inspired through brothers, uncles and cousins involved in the game. As an athlete, Tracey also participated in mixed touch football, including the First Contact Touch Football Carnivals.

Professionally, Tracey is passionate about human resource management and creating employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a commitment reflected in current PhD studies focused on building legacy for future generations. As a member of the QRL Cultural Advisory Committee, Tracey brings practical skills and experience in Reconciliation Action Plans, with a focus on breaking down barriers to recruitment, strengthening cultural awareness, and contributing to a culturally safe workplace through walking and working together towards reconciliation.