A couple of rugby league legends are inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to kick goals, in and out of the classroom.
More than 160 Sunshine Coast students are enrolled in the Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy, which was designed to empower them and assist them with educational opportunities.
Students at Beerwah State High School and Maroochydore State High School, who are participating in the academy, recently rubbed shoulders with Broncos identities and program ambassadors Ali Brigginshaw and Scott Prince.
Brigginshaw said she was thrilled to see students embracing the program, with Term 2 centred around the 2023 NAIDOC theme: For our Elders.
“In celebration of our elders, the Term 2 workshop (Culture and Identity) discussed the NAIDOC theme and meaning, talking about the hardships elders had to face to get to where we are now,” she said.
“This program is reigniting students’ pride for culture, which helps our communities, it helps culture, and it cultivates female leadership skills.
“Beyond the Broncos has already helped increase female student attendance on the Coast by 2.63 percent and it’s great to be a part of this important change.”
Christine Halliwell, general manager of community and government programs at the Brisbane Broncos, said Brigginshaw and Prince were inspiring the next generation to take a positive step towards their future careers.
“The Girls Academy aims to give Sunshine Coast students the best possible start in life,” she said.
“Not only does the program help young girls complete their schooling but it also provides the students with positive learning opportunities and gives them the confidence to succeed in the future.
“An important part of the program is embedding pride in their culture and with positive role models like Ali and Scott, we know students will be inspired to engage in their learning.”
The academy has supported more than 4000 students since it was established seven years ago, recognising the vital role that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women play in influencing the next generation.
Beerwah State High has supported 44 students since joining the program, helping ignite a love of learning, leadership and build a strong sense of cultural pride.
To find out more, visit Broncos in the Community or email community@broncos.com.au. You can also follow Beyond The Broncos.
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