Published Thursday, 14 February, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
‘You Choose’ AFL partnership to empower Indigenous youth: Minister
Minister for Communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced a new partnership with AFL Queensland to help stop the cycle of domestic and family violence.
Minister Nelson-Carr said a specially-designed program called Which Way – You Choose had been developed by the Department of Communities and AFL Queensland and will be rolled out through the code’s Kickstart program in the Far North.
“Footy is hugely popular with youngsters across the top end, making this partnership an opportunity to promote healthy relationships through sport,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Coaches train young people in how to take a mark and play as a team, and through this initiative they will be teaching kids important life and leadership skills,” she said.
The Which Way – You Choose resource kit cost $25,000 to produce and was funded by the Department of Communities. It includes a DVD and booklets for young Queenslanders. Training will also be provided to Kickstart development officers to help coaches deliver the program.
“We know domestic and family violence have no postcode.
“This initiative will reach into Indigenous communities and help empower more young people about choosing positive relationships at a very important stage of their lives, their pre-adult years,” said the Minister.
“AFL Queensland has been a wonderful partner over the years, with my Department funding Kickstart to the tune of $113,960 per annum.
“The Which Way – You Choose resource will enable Kickstart to go even further in helping to nurture the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow.”
AFL (Queensland) Chief Executive Richard Griffiths said Kickstart runs clinics and carnivals in 27 Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland.
“AFL (Queensland) is delighted to partner the Department of Communities in this wonderful initiative,” Mr Griffiths said.
“Domestic and family violence are issues of concern in the community and through Kickstart we will promote the important positive messages of Which Way – You Choose.”
The Department of Communities will commence training for Kickstart staff in Cairns on February 21.
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Minister Nelson-Carr said a specially-designed program called Which Way – You Choose had been developed by the Department of Communities and AFL Queensland and will be rolled out through the code’s Kickstart program in the Far North.
“Footy is hugely popular with youngsters across the top end, making this partnership an opportunity to promote healthy relationships through sport,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Coaches train young people in how to take a mark and play as a team, and through this initiative they will be teaching kids important life and leadership skills,” she said.
The Which Way – You Choose resource kit cost $25,000 to produce and was funded by the Department of Communities. It includes a DVD and booklets for young Queenslanders. Training will also be provided to Kickstart development officers to help coaches deliver the program.
“We know domestic and family violence have no postcode.
“This initiative will reach into Indigenous communities and help empower more young people about choosing positive relationships at a very important stage of their lives, their pre-adult years,” said the Minister.
“AFL Queensland has been a wonderful partner over the years, with my Department funding Kickstart to the tune of $113,960 per annum.
“The Which Way – You Choose resource will enable Kickstart to go even further in helping to nurture the Indigenous leaders of tomorrow.”
AFL (Queensland) Chief Executive Richard Griffiths said Kickstart runs clinics and carnivals in 27 Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland.
“AFL (Queensland) is delighted to partner the Department of Communities in this wonderful initiative,” Mr Griffiths said.
“Domestic and family violence are issues of concern in the community and through Kickstart we will promote the important positive messages of Which Way – You Choose.”
The Department of Communities will commence training for Kickstart staff in Cairns on February 21.
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280