Multi-award winning country musician Troy Cassar-Daley, local Indigenous dance groups, DJs and musicians, more than 60 exhibitors, Rugby League matches and the Indigenous All Stars jersey presentation will feature in a free community festival and careers expo at Brisbane’s West End on the eve of next month’s 2013 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars.
The 2013 DEEWR Learn Earn Legend! Careers and Employment Expo and All Stars Community Festival will run from 10am to 5pm at the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club and Precinct on Friday, February 8, closing with the Indigenous All Stars jersey presentation.
Cassar-Daley will then perform at Davies Park at 6pm to warm-up the crowd before the best of NSW and QLD’s Indigenous Rugby League talent go head to head in the second annual NACCHO* Deadly Choices Interstate Challenge.
“This community event has grown each year and we have worked hard to ensure that there is something for everyone at both the Employment Expo and the Community Festival,” NRL General Manager of Marketing and Commercial, Mr Paul Kind said.
“The day celebrates Rugby League, enables school groups and families to enjoy a day out and gain insight into careers and jobs and provides the opportunity for the local Indigenous community to showcase their talents.
“Also performing will be some of Australia’s top musical talent as well as the chance meet the Indigenous All Stars.”
The NRL and Federal Government have again joined forces with more than 60 leading Queensland businesses to host the annual Employment Expo, where Queensland students and young job seekers will be presented with real job opportunities and career options.
Universities, TAFE colleges, building and corporate businesses will be in attendance with community and government organisations showcasing their products and handing out information and health organisations offering advice and free health checks.
The All Stars Community Festival will coincide with the Jobs Expo and feature junior Rugby League clinics, Indigenous games, children’s entertainment, local music acts, One Community Ambassador appearances and Indigenous cultural art and crafts. It will culminate with the jersey presentation to the Indigenous All Stars.
Indigenous Australian television and film actor Luke Carroll will MC the festival with on-stage performances including Mununjali Banam Yilgahm Dancers, The Aboriginal College of the Performing Arts, Nunukul Dancers, Nguinwarrup – group and performers and DJs from Redfern Records.
A full program of Rugby League matches will kick-off from 12:00pm with the Indigenous Schoolboys game, followed by the Brisbane men’s games.
The best of NSW and QLD’s Indigneous Rugby League talent will take to the field from 7:00pm for the second annual NACCHO* Deadly Choices Interstate Challenge.
The QAIHC* Argun Warriors (QLD) and AHMRC* Newcastle Yowies (NSW) will play for the title of Australian Indigenous and Torres Strait champions, won last year by Mindaribba Warriors 40-18.