Wynnum Manly Seagulls have today announced the club will transfer their Round 19 Intrust Super Cup game against the Central Queensland Capras from BMD Kougari to North Stradbroke Island.
The July 13 game will be promoted as Wynnum’s first ever “Indigenous Recognition Game” to recognise and acknowledge the Quandamooka People and also the club’s Past Indigenous greats like Lionel Morgan.
North Stradbroke Island has had a long association over many years with both Wynnum Seagulls and Wynnum Leagues club and transferring this game to the Island reflects this and also informs everyone that the Island is well and truly back and open for business after the recent devastating bush fires.
Wynnum Seagulls has joined forces with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and its ‘Deadly Choices’ Campaign, the Yulu-Burri-Ba Health Service, Redlands City Council, Quandamooka People, Stradbroke Ferries and Straddie Sharks Football Club to bring this unique event to fruition.
Queensland Rugby League and Channel Nine have agreed to make this the match of the round, which means it will be broadcast live throughout Queensland from 2pm on the Nine/Win Networks.
Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams is delighted an Intrust Super Cup game is coming to the Redlands and in particular North Stradbroke Island.
“North Stradbroke has never hosted a sporting game of this calibre it will be a great boast for the Island and the entire region,” Cr Williams said.
“The live TV coverage will ensure the whole of Queensland sees what our region has to offer and why it’s a great place to visit and live.”
“Straddie is a spectacular natural paradise and we want everyone to know about the very special attractions of the world’s second largest sand island.’
The game will not only be a great showpiece for the Island and Rugby League, but it will have a strong message of ensuring we tackle the health concerns amongst our local Indigenous population.
Adrian Carson, Chief Executive Officer of IUIH, said: “ With preventable chronic disease the major contributor to the life expectancy gap experienced by Indigenous Australians, our Deadly Choices campaign aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy lifestyle choices – to stop smoking and for our young people to never start, to eat healthier food and exercise more.”
“We also encourage our people to visit their local Aboriginal Medical Service, like Yulu-Burri-Ba, to complete a regular Health Check and access support to prevent and better manage their health”.
“The Institute is pleased to partner with Wynnum Seagulls to promote the Deadly Choices and the work of our health services across South East Queensland”.
Tony Brown President of Straddie Sharks is delighted for the football club to be the hosting this historic game for North Stradbroke Island. “This is a major boost for our local community particularly our footy club. We have had a partnership with Wynnum Seagulls for many years and we are all thrilled to host the game on behalf of our local people”.
“Sport has played an important part in the life of the Island and to have this opportunity to have a game of this status played on the Island is terrific for our people,” Brown said.
“The event will also provide a unique opportunity for a wider audience to see two other important aspects of our people being Art and Dance”.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls CEO Phil Reeves has been working closely with all organisations and is excited about the opportunity.
“Our club has always been about an inclusive community, that’s why we are delighted that we can have this match that recognises the Quandamooka People on Stradbroke Island,” Reeves said.
“We know it means so much to them.”
QRL Competitions Manager Jamie O’Connor commended the Seagulls club for driving the initiative.
“The Intrust Super Cup is growing in stature every year and part of the reason for the improved profile is due to initiatives such as this one” O’Connor said.
“Our vision is to showcase the game to as many people as possible and engage local community groups right across the state, so we’re naturally thrilled that an Intrust Super Cup match will be played on North Stradbroke Island for the first time.”
