Squadron Energy have presented the Highlanders Women’s Indigenous Rugby team with their official jerseys ahead of taking to the field at the Queensland Murri Rugby League Carnival.
Written by Squadron Energy |
The Queensland Indigenous Women’s Rugby League and Rugby 7s club is being sponsored by Squadron Energy, who are supporting the team to play on the top Queensland stage.
Squadron Energy’s Head of Delivery Portfolio Ninna West said that while contributing to Australia’s net zero emissions future, Squadron is also committed to contributing to meaningful change and benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"We are proud to support a club that is really making a difference to the lives of young women in rural communities, the club has had such a positive social impact, and is creating role models for the next generation of kids in rural areas," Ms West said.
“We are committed to supporting First Nations groups in the communities where our projects are based, and this sponsorship gives female players from rural and country areas an opportunity to thrive in mainstream rugby.”
Highlanders coach and Chairperson of the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, Nicole Muller said this sponsorship provides the team with an opportunity to be part of Queensland’s biggest Indigenous Rugby League carnival where talent is picked.
“It’s great to have the support to push junior development and ensure our Indigenous talent is getting noticed,” Ms Muller said.
"This support will allow us to purchase playing kits for the team and provide travel, accommodation, food and medical supplies for the carnival.”
The Highlanders team has produced professional athletes such as Tamika Upton, Tallisha Harden, Caitlin Moran and Jenni-sue Hoepper.
The Queensland Murri Carnival (QMC) is in its 11th year. It is run by the Arthur Beetson Foundation, a foundation dedicated to bettering health, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through sport, particularly Rugby League.
The QMC has been endorsed by Queensland Rugby League as the State Murri Championships, and teams play against each other vying for a spot in Queensland representative teams.
The QMC is much more than Rugby League, it also has a major focus on health vocation and education. It will be a smoke, drug, alcohol and sugar free event and all players must complete a “Health Check” as a requirement to participate. Junior players must also have a 90 per cent school attendance.
Each of Squadron’s projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area. Information on how to apply can be found at our Community Sponsorship Guidelines & Application webpage.
