Members of the rugby league family in Cairns, including Northern Pride players and staff, have been doing their bit to help others across the off-season; having played a vital part in assisting the North Queensland community.
This past week, the Cairns District Rugby League have been collecting donations from Cairns locals to send much-needed items to those who have been struck by the recent floods in Townsville.
Cairns District Rugby League’s Pat Bailey was proud of what her community was able to do in a short time to help their fellow North Queenslanders.
“Many thanks to the people of Cairns for their generous donations and, their concerns for the people of Townsville,” she said.
“The transporting of this has been done by Josh Bollman of Fastway Couriers (who) wasted no time in putting forward his company to deliver the much-needed articles to Townsville,” Bailey said.
“Vicki Jones (Cairns District Rugby League volunteer) went far of what was expected of her in the organisation.
“She sent out a text message to clubs and put out a Facebook post to spread the word – and we received so many donations.
“We are so glad that rugby league people in Cairns, others as well, were so compassionate to our southern neighbour.”
In another great show of community support in Cairns; earlier this year; Northern Pride representatives were praised for giving up their time to assist with an important clean-up of Mossman Gorge.
After forging a relationship with a number of players from the club during the most recent Rugby League World Cup via their selection in the Scotland Bravehearts team; Honorary Consul for the United Kingdom John McIntyre thought to reach out to the rugby league community to help.
McIntyre assists with a project to upgrade housing for the people of the Kuku Yalanji clan (who are both rainforest and saltwater people) to a standard acceptable to the Douglas Shire Council.
“The Elders are keen ... to set a standard to ensure it is respected by all going into the future.”
John McIntyre Honorary Consul for the United Kingdom
“The community lives on the banks of the Mossman River which they strongly value, but over time some people have used this river as a dumping ground for rubbish,” McIntyre said.
“The Elders are keen that, now their community is now in a condition they can take pride in, to clean up the river and to set a standard to ensure it is respected by all going into the future.”
After reaching out to the Pride; the club were quick to jump on board, with Hastings Deering Colts coach Dave Scott joined by his players Jai Doherty, Lyle Bowie, Usaia Fonongoloa and Robert Maxwell at the January 23 clean-up.
Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation thanked the Pride for their participation who said their efforts were appreciated by the staff and residents.
“It is difficult for a small community to manage and maintain a clean river and environs,” corporation’s manager Moya Stevens said.
“As the Mossman Gorge and River are a vital part of not only the Kuku Yalanji culture, but also the tourism experience of the region, it is essential that this area is kept as pristine as possible.
“Your participation in the activity also demonstrated the wider community’s appreciation and respect for the people of Mossman Gorge and our unique environment.”
