Foundation advances in leaps and bounds
AS THE Cowboys Community Foundation approaches its third anniversary, director Fiona Pelling is most grateful about how far the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ charity arm has come.
“When we launched the foundation in March 2016, our goal was to expand on the club’s work in creating opportunities for young North Queenslanders as an independent charity,” Ms Pelling said.
“It was a progressive but natural step for the Cowboys, and we are amazed and humbled by the positivity and support we’ve received from all areas of our community.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and it’s the result of many dedicated people embracing an opportunity to make a difference.”
The foundation is a community- owned, registered charity that is actively improving employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education- based programs.
The foundation runs four programs including primary school attendance ( Try for 5!); positive life choices for junior secondary years ( Try Time!); closing the education gap for indigenous senior secondary students ( Learn Earn Legend!) and access to quality secondary education for remote indigenous students ( NRL Cowboys House).
One of the most striking changes since the foundation began is the development of NRL Cowboys House, which began operations in early 2017 with 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, expanding to 50 students in 2018, and again in 2019 with a girls’ campus for 25 indigenous girls.
NRL Cowboys House is a joint initiative between the NRL, North Queensland Cowboys, and the State and Federal governments.
“As our programs develop and mature, we’re having more impact where it’s most needed,” Ms Pelling said.
“A great example of this is the Try for 5! program. After spending three years in selected schools, we’re now seeing attendance rates improve by close to five percentage points in comparison to the previous year. It is very encouraging and a result of the hard work from the schools, students and their families.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now without the wonderful commitment of our Cowboys community and we’re looking forward to kicking some big goals together in 2019.”