The Outback Barbarians Rugby Union Club has been awarded an $8000 grant through the St George Footy Grants program, to help fund an overseas rugby experience for players from regional areas of Queensland.
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The grant will contribute to much-needed new medical and training equipment ahead of the club's trip to the United States to play in an international rugby competition in 2020. This overseas trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for club members from rural communities.
Outback Barbarians Rugby Club manager Geoffrey Barton OAM said the majority of the Outback Barbarian players were from the land and had struggled with the effects of drought.
"As a result of this, some community members have battled with finance stress, often leading to mental health issues," Mr Barton said.
"The St George Footy Grant will allow us to purchase new medical and training equipment needed for our overseas rugby experience.
"This trip will allow our players to work on their skills while fulfilling their dreams of visiting another country and experiencing a new culture. For some of these players, this will be their first trip out of Australia."
In 2019, the St George Footy Grants program awarded over $100,000 in grant funding to individuals and clubs involved in Rugby Union, Rugby League or AFL to help break down barriers to participation, support local clubs and give aspiring players across all three codes the chance to get involved.
St George Bank general manager Ross Miller said the program would support the people and local clubs working to create a stronger and more inclusive grassroots footy community.
"Whether it's Rugby League, Rugby Union or AFL, being involved in local footy is more than just a pastime for Aussies, it's a passion," Mr Miller said.
"We are proud to work alongside our footy partners - the St George Illawarra Dragons, St George Queensland Reds and GWS Giants - to give back to the community."
St George Queensland Reds captain, Samu Kerevi, said there were many local clubs and people in the Queensland Rugby Union community who could benefit from some extra assistance and the St George Footy Grant recipients were no exception.
"We are proud to partner with St George Bank to help remove the barriers to participation and open up opportunities for those who need it most," Mr Kerevi said.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
