Today we officially launched the 2023 event at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe with Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Honourable Yvette D'Ath MP and other guests.
Guests included Arthur Beetson Foundation Director Brad Beetson, Health and Wellbeing Queensland CEO Robyn Littlewood, Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery, The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Director of Commercial Operations Dallas Leon, Queensland University of Technology Senior Recruitment and Community Engagement Coordinator Derek Kinchela, Redcliffe Leagues Club General Manager Justin Charlish, Dolphins NRL player Edrick Lee and Deadly Choices Ambassadors Willie Tonga & Tracey Thompson.
As the ladder-leading Dolphins affirm themselves in the NRL during the early stages of the 2023 competition, the Arthur Beetson Foundation (ABF) Queensland Murri Carnival plans on delivering a smorgasboard of aspiring talent to the Club’s doorstep, following today’s official event launch in Redcliffe and opening of online registrations.
Set to be staged in a rejuvenated format at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on September 22-30, the ABF Queensland Murri Carnival will seek to place even greater emphasis on the development of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting talent.
Of particular significance at the 2023 event, will be a focus on youth, running across an increased eight-day format (including lay-day on Monday), starting with Open Men’s and Women’s competition, before an extensive underage program will see boys and girls up to 18 years vying for Queensland representative honours, plus young children aged 6-12 years competing in the Junior Murri Carnival to close off proceedings.
Dolphins’ officials were today joined by Deadly Choices Ambassadors Willie Tonga and Tracey Thompson.
Other proud locals, State Member for Redcliffe, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath, along with the Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council, Peter Flannery were also on hand to unveil an event that places the Peninsula as a pivotal landmark for top level league contests, but also as a haven for health and wellbeing among Queensland’s First Nations populations.
“The late great Arthur Beetson must be smiling down on us with immense pride to see his beloved Dolphins making history in the NRL while the Queensland Murri Carnival returns to Kayo Stadium and Moreton Bay for the ninth time,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Council has played a significant part in both organisations’ journeys and we’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting the legendary Murri Carnival for a further three years (2023-2025) in Moreton Bay, which includes further support through our event sponsorship program.
“Artie was a great inspiration to all of us and a great role model to young aspiring Indigenous boys and girls to be the best they can be.
“The Murri Carnival has continued that legacy by providing a huge support for these young people to navigate their way through life - and that’s something we want to be a part of.
“The competitors, family, staff and friends have long been great supporters of the Moreton Bay region and I hope they get an opportunity to explore and enjoy our hospitality when they are here in September.
“We estimate that this event itself will inject close to $1 million dollars into our local economy for shops, cafes, accommodation providers, suppliers and many more, which is a significant boost for local businesses.”
The late, great Arthur Beetson started and completed his professional rugby league playing career with the Dolphins in the Brisbane Rugby League.
It’s appropriate that the ABF Queensland Murri Carnival, which is governed by the very foundation set up in his honour, pays homage to a club and destination which meant so much to a man who advocated heavily for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and campaigned for community members to be afforded appropriate health care, to assist in Closing the Gap in health outcomes among his people.
Statewide team registrations are now open, so coaches and managers are encouraged to ensure all their players are up-to-date with their 715 Health Checks, adults currently enrolled to vote, while youngsters maintain a 90% school attendance rate.
If not, book in for your 715 at your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Service, before going online to register for the Carnival at www.murrirugbyleague.com.au.
The Deadly Choices Junior Murri Carnival component will also start taking individual registrations for boys and girls aged from 6-12 years – click here for more info.