NRL Cowboys House construction provides jobs for Townsville workers

Construction on the $9.5 million NRL Cowboys House, to help students from remote communities, is on track and expected to be finished in December ready for the 2017 school year.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke today joined North Queensland Cowboys legend Matty Bowen to inspect progress on the project, which kicked off in May on the land next to Pimlico TAFE.

“This project will not only help support the education of young men from remote communities, it is also supporting about 200 workers throughout construction,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Construction is progressing well on site, with the contractor expected to finish the two accommodation wings by early November, and the study areas, learning hub, dining room and recreation area by early December,” she said.

“It’s really exciting that the NRL Cowboys House is expected to be up and running by the time school starts in January 2017.

“The Cowboys have been working with schools and community leaders from remote communities to select the first intake of 25 students.

“Champion players Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston will be House ambassadors, and I thank them for their involvement.”

Mrs O’Rourke said one of more than 30 concreters involved in putting down the slabs for the House earlier this year was foundation Indigenous Cowboys player Reggie Cressbrook, who works for Townsville firm Kersh Concreting.

“Considering Reggie’s football credentials and his heritage, it’s wonderful that he is among the 100 sub-contractors involved with this project,” she said.

“At least 20 of those workers were from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, which is more good news from this project.

“I’m pleased the Palaszczuk Government is supporting this local initiative that is creating jobs now during construction, and jobs for the future for young people from remote communities.”

North Queensland Cowboys legend and House Ambassador Matty Bowen said he was really excited about the opportunity this facility will provide young people from remote areas of North Queensland.

“The successful partnership between the Federal and the State government as well as the NRL and many other corporate and community partners has been overwhelming,” Mr Bowen said.

“Rugby League has such an ability to engage and connect communities and we are delighted to be part of such an innovative and positive initiative.”

The Palaszczuk Government is providing land and maintenance for NRL Cowboys House, while the Cowboys’ charity arm – the Cowboys Community Foundation – will be funding and managing the day-to-day operation.

Media Contact:  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170