The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) are proud to announce its partnership with leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program Deadly Choices ahead of this year’s highly anticipated Queensland Reds Indigenous Round.
Deadly Choices, a nationally recognised preventative health program of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Through a range of culturally tailored school programs, sporting partnerships, community events and health campaigns, Deadly Choices promotes eating nutritious food, being physically active, quitting smoking or vaping and connecting with their local Community Controlled Health Service for a 715 Health Check.
The initiative has successfully used sport and strong community role models to inspire positive change in community. Supported by various organisations and trusted by community, Deadly Choices continues to be a powerful movement towards closing the health and life expectancy gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This collaboration aims to celebrate and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture within the rugby community while promoting improved community health outcomes.
The Reds meet the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium in Indigenous Round on Saturday, May 31. The rich heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community will be highlighted through a series of events and activities designed to engage fans, players, and the broader community.
The new partnership will play a pivotal role in this celebration with Deadly Choices being a multi-faceted initiative focusing on improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities.
“We are excited to partner with Deadly Choices as we prepare for the 14th Queensland Reds Indigenous Round,” said QRU Indigenous Strategy Manager, Dylan Blackman.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and respect within the game of rugby. Through this partnership, we aim to highlight the importance of health and wellbeing, particularly in Indigenous communities.”
The partnership also launches the Deadly Choices x Reds health check shirt. The shirts will be utilised as an impactful incentive to encourage community members to complete a 715 Health Check at their local CCHS and take home a free and exclusive shirt.
Deadly Choices Executive Director, Dallas Leon said, “Deadly Choices is excited to be igniting this partnership with the Reds.
“Rugby Union allows us to spread our message to another sporting community. The Reds are also the only team in the competition to have identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in each of their teams, from academy to their seniors.
“Through this partnership we are able to communicate our message to the Reds community including their young players coming through their system.”
As part of the Indigenous Round festivities, the Queensland Reds will also wear a special Indigenous jersey designed by Madi Shuck, Queensland Red #222 and Wallaroo #184.
Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, cultural performances, and community engagement initiatives throughout the round.
These partnerships play a crucial role in engaging young people and families by leveraging the influence of elite athletes and clubs who serve as ambassadors for healthy living.
By aligning with national and state sporting bodies — including Rugby Union programs like the Queensland Reds — Deadly Choices is able to connect health promotion directly with community pride, cultural identity, and sporting excellence.
Sporting partnerships are a key pillar of the Deadly Choices strategy, as they not only increase visibility but also build trust within communities by using respected role models to champion messages of wellbeing and empowerment. Together, these partnerships are helping to close the gap in Indigenous health outcomes through education, engagement, and a shared commitment to community.
The Queensland Reds Indigenous Round in 2025 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together rugby fans and the broader community to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Australians to the sport and society.
For more information about the Queensland Reds Indigenous Round in the countdown to May 31 please head to www.reds.rugby
