Young Indigenous Queenslanders kickstart a healthy future

Almost 100 Indigenous children will showcase their sporting talents during the half-time entertainment at tomorrow’s Brisbane Lions–Collingwood Magpies AFL match at the Gabba.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Warren Pitt said the children were part of the highly successful AFL Cape York Kickstart program.

“The Kickstart program aims to educate young Indigenous Australians living in remote areas about important lifestyle issues while increasing their participation in sport,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is a wonderful program which is helping to teach young Indigenous people the benefits of nutrition and the dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as the value of education and road safety.”

Mr Pitt said he was pleased to provide funding of $20,000 to help with the cost of transport, accommodation and uniforms for the 96 children involved.

The communities of Palm Island, Woorabinda, Cherbourg, Mornington Island, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Lockhart River and Badu Island each nominated 12 young people aged 10 to 12 years to participate in the event, as well as two community people to accompany each team to Brisbane.

“This is a unique opportunity for the young participants to celebrate their culture and showcase their sporting talent in front of a huge crowd of AFL fans,” Mr Pitt said.

The AFL Kickstart program was established in 1996, while the first national Dreaming Game event was held in 2003 to celebrate the contribution made to AFL football by Indigenous Australians.

The eight teams will play four demonstration matches during the 20-minute half-time break, and will then form a guard of honour to welcome the Lions and Magpies players back on to the field for the second half of the match.

The event is being funded by the Department of Communities, in partnership with the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation and the Commonwealth Department of Information, Communication and the Arts.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280