A new Indigenous rugby league carnival is set to attract almost 30 teams from around South-East Queensland.
The Sunshine Coast Bunyas Knockout will be held at the Nambour Rugby League Club from October 15-17.
Local club, Sunshine Coast Bunyas, will host the inaugural event.
Club president Brad Beetson said the event would bring community to the region, after they held a 10-team carnival at Nambour last year.
“The committee and I identified that there was a need for the Sunshine Coast to host a rugby league Knockout as it has never been done before,” Mr Beetson said.
“It is unique and will be the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast.
“Reuniting mob is another key purpose of the Knockout. There’s nothing better than rugby league to bring everyone together and celebrate our culture, talent and the Sunshine Coast.
“We really hope it will provide a platform through the vehicle of rugby league to draw communities together and connect people – something that has been missing since the COVID pandemic.
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“It’s going to be a huge boost not only for our families and players but also for Nambour and the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
“It will be a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful homelands of the Kabi Kabi peoples and Jinibara peoples of the Sunshine Coast and pay our respects.
“There’s some really good support behind this new competition, and plenty of motivation for the teams to do their best to get a share of a $6000 prize pool.
“Women’s rugby league is the fastest-growing area of the game and we are thrilled the Knockout will have both women and girls playing.”
Twenty-eight teams are expected to participate, with six Sunshine Coast teams and others coming from Brisbane, Cherbourg, Ipswich and Toowoomba.
Division 10 Councillor David Law said the event was a great initiative for the First Nations and rugby league communities.
“This is an opportunity to support and connect with some of our First National local businesses as well – the event manager, sponsors, suppliers and stallholders,” Cr Law said.
The event will open with a Smoking Ceremony on the Friday night, followed by the match draw, along with community activities, markets and a raffle. Spectators are welcome and must follow any COVID-safe regulations in place.
The Knockout has been supported via the council’s Sport Industry Development Program, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and through the council’s Community Grants Program.
