We're back – ports community blitzes return!
The North Queensland Cowboys and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) are “Moving Forward Together” in 2021 after kick-starting their community blitzes again, starting off in Mackay.
Cowboys players Javid Bowen and Kane Bradley joined club legend and life member Matthew Bowen on NQBP visits to Eimeo Road State School, Andergrove State School, Slade Point State School, Mackay North State School and Fitzgerald State School earlier this month.
NQBP also hosted an ‘even playing field’ event, held in conjunction with Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce with local business and community leaders, in celebration of women in leadership on International Women’s Day.
More than 70 attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Rochelle Jones's passion for changing lives in her capacity as head of NRL Cowboys House, looking after the education and wellbeing of 104 Indigenous students from 28 remote communities.
After taking a COVID-19 break last year, the Cowboys and NQBP are once again "blitzing" the port communities of Mackay, Bowen (May), Weipa (August) and Sarina in 2021.
Their community partnership enables Cowboys players and ambassadors to connect with school children in outdoor activities and through the delivery of important messages on positive life choices.
Impactful connections
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the visits provide a unique link with the port communities within the club’s footprint.
“Our partnership with NQBP enables us to reach the people of Weipa, Sarina, Mackay and Bowen in a very meaningful way, and we are grateful to have this connection,” Mr Reibel said.
“Each community is different, and together with NQBP we’re able to tailor the visits to meet their specific needs, which has been key in this highly collaborative partnership.
“NQBP understand their communities and we applaud their innovation and commitment to assisting the wellbeing of these communities through our ongoing partnership.”
Leading positive change
NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said since it was launched in 2016, the partnership has engaged thousands of school children and community members.
“We’re excited to be kicking off this year’s blitz program of school visits, port site visits and networking with community and business leaders after COVID-19 put a stop to our plans last year,” Mr Fertin said.
“Our community partnership with the Cowboys is one of our largest and longest and enables us to make a positive impact on communities throughout the north.
“We’re very different organisations, but we both believe when everyone has an opportunity to participate, it’s a force for good in our North Queensland Port communities."
