Boyd tours Central Highlands to help community wellbeing

Former Queensland Maroons flyer Darius Boyd is touring parts of the Central Highlands this week, sharing his story and engaging with teens about the importance of their mental wellbeing. 

The 28 State of Origin-game legend’s journey with his health and wellbeing across his NRL career has been well-documented, sharing his story through the NRL State of Mind program as a proud ambassador. 

In partnership with BHP, Boyd joins Queensland Rugby League Central wellbeing and education manager Grant Bignell to visit Blackwater, Moranbah and Dysart – three communities in which they operate - to deliver long-lasting wellbeing education to improve mental health literacy. 

The 337-game NRL star is hoping his story will help educate others to keep in-check with their mental wellbeing. 

“It’s great to be able to join with BHP to visit Blackwater, Moranbah and Dysart and educate the community about the importance of their mental wellbeing,” FOG #168 said.

“Throughout my career, I had plenty of ups and downs which challenged my mental health and wellbeing at times, but I was able to seek help and find strategies to overcome the tough situations I faced.

“Tours like these are vitally important to engage with the community and provide tools to help build their mental resilience and know when to seek help to get back on track and stay mentally fit.

“Being mentally fit is crucial to living a healthy life and I hope my story can have an impact on the communities we visit.”

BHP corporate affairs – community manager Jasmine Cadd said BHP was proud to partner with QRL to continue looking for new ways to add value to the communities in which they operate. 

"BHP is very proud to support this initiative in our communities," Cadd said.

"Kids' wellbeing and health is incredibly important and having Darius come out to share his stories with the kids is a really great opportunity.

"By having someone like Darius deliver these sessions, we believe that key messages around mental and emotional health and wellbeing will be really well received by the kids, and will hopefully be a conversation starter.

"To partner with QRL to deliver these important messages is something we take much pride in."

The tour will engage with students at Blackwater State High School, Moranbah State School, Moranbah State High School and Dysart State High School as well as the Moranbah township through a community wellbeing event.