The first half of 2023 has once again seen the Queensland Rugby Union’s (QRU) Future Indigenous Leaders Program (FILP), proudly supported by Rio Tinto, produce outstanding development opportunities for students in the communities of Cherbourg and Woorabinda.
Following the appointment of Queensland Reds Super W player, and proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Renae Nona as the third FILP mentor employed by the program, a new record has been set for the highest number of participants enrolled in the program.
36 male and 57 female (93 total) students, including 43 as part of the new 2023 intake, are participating in the program, with a retention rate of 100%. In a further boost, all 2022 graduates of the program have transitioned into the Reds Generation Next program this year, which requires continuation of school enrolment into Year 11.
These outstanding results align with an increase in the number of mentor community visits, community meetings and events, and leadership camps. 53 students attended the 2023 Leadership Camp on the Gold Coast in late June/early July. Pleasingly, seven FILP graduates served as mentors at this camp as well.
For the three mentors, delivering the FILP is richly rewarding, but logistically requires a lot of planning, with the 93 students attending sixteen different schools (Government, Catholic and Independent) all over Queensland.
QRU General Manager – Community Rugby, Gaven Head said: “The FILP has produced exceptional results in the first half of 2023.
“From participant retention and growth to the appointment of our new mentor Renae, the program continues to deliver benefits for Cherbourg and Woorabinda communities.
“Our annual camp was once again a highlight, and I’d like to recognise the work of Graham Leeson, Dylan Blackman, Renae Nona, and all our mentors who contributed to making the camp a success.
“As always, QRU thanks Rio Tinto for their ongoing support of the program.”
From a Rugby perspective, 18 girls and one boy from the QRU’s Indigenous Programs competed in the Australian Schools Rugby Championships in Sydney. Many were recognised through selection in further elite pathway squads across both Rugby Sevens and fifteen-a-side Rugby. Rio Tinto’s commitment to the program includes dedicated funding which is assigned to supporting Rugby outcomes, both high performance and participation, for children within the FILP.
In 2023, the Queensland Reds Super Rugby team celebrated Indigenous Round against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium, while the Super Rugby team wore the Indigenous Jersey designed by student Nelliarnah Saltner in three fixtures – including against the Chiefs in New Zealand on two occasions. The Queensland Reds Super W team wore the Indigenous Jersey in all their away fixtures for the second straight season.
