Keidean Coleman joins Deadly Choices
“I’ve seen Deadly Choices in action since I was about 14, going to camps through school. It’s been around for a long time, and now I’m proud to be part of it.”
Brisbane Lions defender and proud Dalabon man Keidean Coleman joins as Deadly Choices’ newest Ambassador—16 years after participating in the program himself.
Deadly Choices, an initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices for themselves and their families—including eating well, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and vaping, and connecting with their local Community Controlled Health Service (CCHS) for an annual completing regular 715 Health Check.
“The camps had a big impact on me. I was a shy kid, but being around other Indigenous kids helped bring me out of my shell and strengthen my cultural connection,” said Coleman.
Coleman participated in the Deadly Choices leadership camps in 2015 and 2016. He shared how those experiences shaped his journey and encouraged him to create healthy habits, which he still carries through to today.
“We learned about healthy eating and staying active. Whether it’s walking, running, footy, netball or swimming. Even an hour a day makes a difference to your health.”
For Coleman, stepping into the Ambassador role is about giving back to the community and supports that empowered him as a young person.
“I became a Deadly Choices Ambassador because I see myself as a role model for my family, and I want to be a role model for the wider community, especially for more Indigenous kids in the AFL space.”
“It’s important for me to empower our Mob back home and here in Queensland. Growing up in a small community, I’ve seen how habits impact families, so this is an opportunity to lead by example and inspire young people.”
Coleman, who originally hails from Katherine in the Northern Territory, joins the preventive health program’s star-studded line-up of Ambassadors—including Petero Civoniceva, Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Scott Prince, Taliqua Clancy and J’maine Hopgood—using their platforms to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make Deadly Choices.
Mununjali man and Deadly Choices Executive Director, Corey Kirk, is excited to have Coleman onboard in the Ambassador team.
“Keidean’s journey with Deadly Choices started many years ago through our leadership camps, so it’s really special to now welcome him back as an Ambassador. He’s a proud young man who represents his Community with strength, and we know he’ll help empower the next generation to make Deadly Choices.”
In his role as a Deadly Choices Ambassador, Coleman will connect closely with Community, lead by example and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
“My Deadly Choice is playing with my kids in the backyard or going for a walk together. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about getting out, being active and connecting with others who share the same goals,” Coleman finished.
Find out more about Deadly Choices.
