Indigenous Development Program  


I am pleased to report that the Australian Rugby League’s National Integrated Indigenous Rugby League Development Program (NIRLDP) has demonstrated its element of flexibility, whilst maintaining its focus of helping to provide pathways for Indigenous people to become involved in Rugby League at all levels.

With continued support and assistance of organisations such as the New South Wales Rugby League, National Rugby League, NSW Country Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, ARL Development and members of the Affiliated States, components of the NIRLDP are being incorporated into mainstream Rugby League development programs, whilst maintaining an Indigenous focus.

The NIRLDP will explore and develop a more coordinated method of strengthening relationships with various State and Territory Departments of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, NSW Aboriginal Land Councils (both at a state and local level), the Department of
Communication, Information, Technology and the Arts (DoCITA ), the Australian Sports Commission’s Indigenous Sport Program, as well as other stakeholders throughout the country. This action is necessary to accommodate identified changes and new strategic directions undertaken by the above mentioned organisations.


New South Wales
The NIRLDP in concert with the ASC’s Indigenous Sport Program (ISP) concentrated efforts on strengthening existing projects, which held major significance to several communities throughout the state. The Junior League carnivals hosted in key target areas in communities such as Dubbo (David Peachey Knockout), Bourke (Ronny Gibbs Shield), Walgett (Ricky Walford/George Rose Shield), and Broken Hill/Wilcannia (Outback Rugby League Carnival), continued to gain increasing participant numbers and supporters alike. With the success of these types of activities it is envisaged that other locations maybe targeted to conduct similar projects, maintaining the Indigenous rugby league development focus.

The NSW v Queensland Indigenous Under-16s match, this year played prior to the NRL’s Round 3 clash at Suncorp Stadium in late March was one of the major highlights of the year. The State of Origin-style concept now stands at four wins for each state. Since its inception in 2003 it continues to generate tremendous support from within the Indigenous community and key stakeholders of the game.

At a national level, the Australian Indigenous Under-16 side played a match against the New Zealand Under- 16s, prior to the Bundaberg Test between Australia and New Zealand in April. The side, coached by the Country Rugby League’s Scott Meini, performed well on the night, defeating their opponent’s 24-18.Congratulations to all players, staff and coordinators involved with the fixture.

Whilst on the issue of representative opportunities I would like to thank the Australian Rugby League and the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) for their support in sanctioning the inaugural Indigenous Under-18s tour to New Zealand in October.

The tour was highlighted by a two-match series between the Australian Indigenous Under-18s and New Zealand Maori Under-18s. The series ended one-all, with the NZ Maoris winning the first match 27-18 in Rotorua and the Indigenous team leveling with a sensational 48-16 win at Wellington. A third match was played in the province of Taranaki, New Plymouth, against the local development squad, and this match was also won by the Australian Indigenous team 54-6.

At this point I would like to thank all those involved in assisting with the representative component of the NIRLDP, particularly the staff at the NSW and Australian Rugby League, Queensland Rugby League, NZRL and NZ Maori Rugby League. I would also like to thank the coordinators, coaches, managers and selectors for their valued contributions, which have ensured these matches, continue to be of the highest possible standard.

The ARL continues to consolidate the working relationship it has already established with key stake-holders such as the ARL Development, CRL Development Officers and the NSW Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, to further increase the positive progress that has been achieved to date.
 
I’d also like to sincerely thank Steve Hall for his tireless efforts throughout the year, as well as former first grade players Ron ‘Rambo’ Gibbs, Larry ‘the Black Flash’ Corowa and Mick Barlow for their assistance.

Queensland
The NIRLDP, in conjunction with the Indigenous Rugby League component of the Queensland Rugby League, focused on Far North Queensland locations in season 2007, with the main objective being junior development and community participation.

The program specifically targeted areas such as Bedourie, Boulia, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Normanton, Kowanyama, Croydon, Mount Isa and other communities throughout the Cape York region, to establish sustainable Rugby League competitions.

Following continued success with the Indigenous Under-16 interstate series between NSW and Queensland, efforts will be maintained to further promote and develop this concept. It should also be noted that the Queensland Former Origin Greats (FOGS) have been delivering specific programs to targeted areas such as the aforementioned and other isolated or remote communities throughout the state.

My thanks go to Neil Appo, and former Australian players Lionel Morgan and Tony Currie, for their efforts with Queensland representative Indigenous sides throughout the year. Furthermore, congratulations and thank you to all coaching staff involved with these sides, your efforts are most appreciated.

Victoria
The Victorian Rugby League has undergone a change of direction following the appointment of Joe Messina as General Manager, and this has paid dividends for Indigenous Rugby League in Victoria.

The VRL have appointed a Multicultural and Indigenous development officer in former Melbourne Storm player Matt Rua, to develop partnerships with key representative groups throughout the state. One of Matt’s primary objectives will be to further develop the partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Youth and Sport Association (VAY SA).

VAYSA engage the Indigenous communities within Victoria and provide them with opportunities to access Rugby League, and other sports. Whilst the partnership is at an early stage, it is anticipated it will enjoy tremendous growth in the years to come, to complement the success of the Melbourne Storm.

As in 2006, the Victorian Rugby League continues to provide coaching, skills and development clinics to several communities throughout the state. The activities are coordinated with the assistance of various key stakeholders, such as ARL Development, the Victorian Department of Sport and Recreation, and the Australian Rugby League.

Northern Territory
The NIRLDP and Northern Territory Rugby League continued to work together in 2007 to provide opportunities for Indigenous youth throughout the region to enjoy Rugby League at various levels.

At a representative level, Northern Territory junior Lance Whitnall gained selection in the NSW Indigenous Under-16 team during the latter stages of 2006. Lance played his junior football in Alice Springs, before relocating to Sydney. It is envisaged the NIRLDP will continue to unearth players of his calibre in the years to come, and provide them with further opportunities to advance their careers.

Under the direction of Chief Executive Officer Barry Moore, the NTRL has achieved encouraging results over the past two years, which has provided incoming CEO Gary Launt with a solid platform to work from.

My thanks go to Barry for his hard work during his tenure with the NTRL and wish him well in the future. Similarly, I wish Gary Launt the best of luck in his new position and look forward to working with him to progress Indigenous Rugby League in the Northern Territory.

Western Australia
The Western Australian Rugby League encountered an early setback in 2007 with the resignation of a Development Officer who was responsible for the Indigenous Program. However they recovered well following Kim Williams’ inheritance of the program, which is currently a major part of his weekly portfolio.

Throughout the year, the WARL had a major focus on representative Rugby League, regional programs and school-based competitions, all involving Indigenous students. The WARL Academy program for talented junior players continued in 2007 and involved two Indigenous players. Targeted areas included schools within the Fremantle, Swan Valley, Armadale /Cannington, Avon Valley, Peel and Perth regions.

The WARL continues to work with the Nyoongar Sports Association to increase participation of Indigenous youth in Western Australia, in rugby league-based activities. Various strategies were employed, including school skill clinics to promote participation and understanding of rugby league, a ‘cluster approach’ where schools with high Indigenous populations participating in school based competitions were targeted and school holiday and community-based programs aimed at the Indigenous population.

There was also a specific focus put on recruiting Indigenous players into the WARL Club system, which will hopefully lead to the establishment of a sustainable Junior Rugby League club with strong Indigenous links within the next three years.


Ricky Walford
INDIGENOUS PROGRAM MANAGER