QRL a finalist in Queensland Reconciliation Awards

Queensland Rugby League managing director Robert Moore has praised the work of the organisation’s Indigenous Advisory Committee after the QRL was this week announced as a finalist in the Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

The annual awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and initiatives committed to building a more inclusive society across the state.

Moore said it was a tremendous honour for the QRL to be recognised as a finalist in the 2020 business category.

“To be formally recognised in this space reflects the commitment and passion of our people,” Moore said.

“In particular, it highlights one of the QRL’s major achievements – our recently approved Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

“Our RAP was a key initiative of the QRL Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), who have led the development and approval process through Reconciliation Australia.”

The RAP is scheduled for public release as part of the upcoming NAIDOC Week celebrations.

IAC co-chair Edward Monaei said the formal release of this plan would be another feather in the cap for the game following the Queensland Reconciliation Awards.

“From my perspective, the recognition we received this week highlights the tireless work of staff, volunteers and the organisation as a whole,” Monaei said.

“Together, we will continue to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to the services, training and general involvement in our game moving forward.”

Key recent activity that highlights the QRL’s inclusive approach, include:  

• Country Week activation on Thursday Island, including the annual Queensland Country and FNQ United game
• Intrust Super Cup clubs wearing Indigenous jerseys as part of Reconciliation and NAIDOC community events
• Release of a Queensland Maroons Indigenous jersey
• Education and Development clinics in remote communities across the state
• Queensland Murri Under 16 program

These initiatives support the QRL’s Diversity and Inclusion Framework, which is in the final stages of development and will be released later this year.

One of the many strengths of the Indigenous Advisory Committee is the diverse skillset of committee members, led by the highly-respected Monaei.

It includes former Ipswich Jets premiership-winning captain Keiron Lander, as well as Phil Dennis, the most capped player in the competition’s history.

Both men are prominent figures within Indigenous communities in Queensland through their respective off-field work with Deadly Choices and FOGS.

Indigenous Advisory Committee

Edward Monaei (IAC co-chair)

Scott Nosworthy (co-chair - Northern representative)

Phil Dennis (FOGS representative)

Steven Page (FOGS representative)

Catherine Beaumont (SEQ representative)      

Arthur Eustace-Earle (Government relations representative)

Dean Daylight (Independent)  

Keiron Lander (Deadly Choices – IUIH representative)

Adrian Carson (IUIH representative)