AFL Queensland Diversity Highlights

Some of our recent highlights have been:

Since the launch of the Multicultural Schools Program in 2012 the Gold Coast SUNS have demonstrated a continued commitment towards supporting the Multicultural communities that reside on the Gold Coast.

To increase the level of much needed support for New Migrants and Refugees the GC SUNS have successfully developed the New Migrant and Refugee Employment Upskill Program or SUNS Up Program for short. This program was made possible with funding received through the Department of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs (DATSIMA)

2015 was a great year for the QLD All Nations boys. The team made up of participants from 6 different countries (South Sudan, Greece, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Kenya and Tanzania) won the All Nations Championships.

QLD had a big representation at the National U16 championships. We had 3 boys selected in the Flying Boomerangs Team (Indigenous) and 5 boys in the World Team (Multicultural). Both teams played each other in 2 exhibition matches which saw the Flying Boomerangs being victorious on both occasions.

 Our Multicultural Community Ambassador Program grew to 35 ambassadors in the state from 20 the previous year. This is our grassroots program that allows us to reach as many people in the community through our ambassadors as the first point of contact.

QLD’s U18 state team has had a successful 2015 season clinching the National Division 2 title. 2 Multicultural boys Mabior Chol and Reuben William were instrumental in the team. We look forward to what could be a great year for both boys.

Queensland is leading the charge with the “Girls Play too” campaign that has seen girls from all walks of life taking up AFL. This has solidified our surge in the female space as we celebrate all things diversity. #girlsplaytoo

Brisbane Lions Player, Dayne Beams signed on to be Queensland’s Inclusion Ambassador for 2015. Dayne is passionate about lending his support for our Inclusion programs and is driving force in this space. 2015 will see us launch our All Abilities NAB AFL Auskick with Brisbane North to cater to participants from all walks of life.

AFL Queensland ran its International Students cup for the 3^rd year in 2015. This year the cup grew to take on Griffith University and QUT. This has been a successful platform for our engagement with the diversity market.