The QRL and NRL, in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, recently delivered a Girls and Women promotion throughout the Torres Strait, focusing on the outer islands.
Travelling between Thursday Island – Moa/ Saint Pauls- Boigu- Warrber and Murray Island from April 6-14; the tour had a Women and Girls focus and facilitated an active promotion of NRL League Tag on these islands.
All islands had a healthy lifestyle officer attend the session on Thursday Island on Saturday, April 6 to complete their Club Coaching Course.
All coaches were then on-hand to help facilitate the kids "super clinic" on the Sunday afternoon, giving these officers the confidence to be able to take the lead and coordinate visits on their own outer Islands for the week.
Below are the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Healthy Lifestyle Officers who attended.
Moa Island: (St Pauls) Yoshira Newie
Boigu Island: Stephanie Pabai
Warraber: Trudy Lui
Murray Island: Conrobert Noah
Former Jillaroo, Queensland Women's representative and current NRL North Queensland Development Manager Renae Kunst said the aim of these visits were to encourage all people within communities to take on an active lifestyle by way of playing NRL League tag, which is a modified form of the tackle game.
See the NRL.com story about this trip --> NRL makes a difference with Torres Strait tour
"Rugby league is the sport of choice up in Torres Straits and it was important for both Robbie Moore (QRL Assistant Northern Division Manager) and I to spread the message to all females of communities that rugby league is a game for everyone whether its contact or the non-contact offering," Kunst said.
"It is hoped that the Healthy Living Officers will now facilitate some small in-house competitions on their own islands for all families (in their communities) and into carnivals like the Island of Origin."
The tour of the Torres Strait islands also facilitated coaching, LeagueSafe, referee and sports trainer courses as well as kids clinics, men's training sessions and women's North Queensland Talent ID selections.
The NRL and QRL are looking closely for community partners to continue delivering experiences and valuable messages to the people of all outer Island communities.
For more information, contact QRL Assistant Division Manager Robbie Moore on 0437 662 950 or email rj.moore@qrl.com.au
