The Coalition Government will invest $2 million to improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and women from remote communities in Far North Queensland.
The investment in Cairns Hockey, who operates the ‘Aspire to be Deadly’ project, will support young women to make positive life choices, and broaden their opportunities.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the investment will help the association expand their program to help more youngsters.
He said this investment in Cairns Hockey would also lead to further job opportunities for locals, including mentors.
“The ‘Aspire to be Deadly’ program is a unique opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and women to engage with indigenous ambassadors, providing mentoring support, as well as a connection to their own culture and traditions,” Mr Entsch said.
“Participants learn the importance and relationship between sports, fitness and nutrition including attending school and performance outcomes.
“Most importantly, participants are empowered with invaluable leadership skills and learn how to be a role model within their own families and communities.
“The program has helped changed the lives of many local indigenous girls and women in the Cairns region – and it is important we keep it running.”
Cairns Hockey Association president Dr Robert Pozzi welcomed the new investment and said Warren Entsch had embraced the association’s vision from the start.
“Warren’s continued support has enabled this increased funding which gives ‘Aspire to be Deadly’ the ability to expand the vision once again and allows us to deliver sustainable growth programs for the emerging leaders,” Dr Pozzi said.
“Cairns Hockey is very proud of its internationally recognised ‘Aspire to be Deadly’ program which advances opportunities for indigenous young women using hockey as the tool to drive positive social outcomes around education, well-being and leadership.
“The community collaborations remain the strength of this program with Cairns West State School and Tagai State College our key education partnerships.
“The pathways program is driven by young leaders Lisa Fatnowna and Jess Fatnowna supported through Cairns Hockey which has a current focus to create a Grade 7 and 8 supported transition program.”