JT HAS A CLASS Y KINDY MESS AGE
COWBOYS legend Johnathan Thurston used his star power to help encourage more indigenous parents and carers to get their children registered at birth and into kindergarten.
The father- of- three said it was particularly important indigenous children were enrolled into kindergarten.
“Studies have shown that with our mob that by the time they get to primary school they’re already behind the eight ball because they haven’t been accessing these programs that have been around,” he said.
“I’m very passionate about my culture, and making sure the next generation of my culture are accessing these programs.”
Thurston spruiked the Deadly Kindies Cowboy branded birth certificates and kindy kits at the Queensland Murri Rugby League Carnival at the Townsville Sports Reserve on Saturday. Many at the carnival swarmed around Thurston for photos.
One starstruck Bundaberg fan, Letitia Smith, was moved to tears when she got to meet her idol.
Ms Smith, 19, said Thurston was more than just a famous footy player.
“He does do a lot for indigenous people. He’s actually down to earth and he really gives back to the community,” she said.
Townsville MP Scott Stuart said last year 92 per cent of indigenous children got into kindergarten but he wanted to see that figure increase to 100 per cent.
The NRL- themed birth certificates and kindy kits, which include the likes of a backpack, lunch box, water bottle and hat are available at Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service clinics for children aged three to four after they have had a health check.