Release type: Media Release

Date:

Learn. Earn. Legend! Tour promotes education and jobs

Ministers:

Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development
Minister for Sport
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness

Indigenous Rugby League fans in regional communities across New South Wales will meet their heroes as part of theLearn. Earn Legend!All Stars Regional Tour this week.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said ambassadors from the NRL were touring regional centres in the lead up to the Rugby League All Stars Game on 12 February.

“The Regional Tour builds on the success of the 2010 All Stars Game, spreading theLearn. Earn. Legend!message across regional New South Wales,” Senator Arbib said.

“We know the best thing all kids can do is get a good education. We know the more education they have, whether that is school, TAFE, an apprenticeship or tertiary studies, the more likely they are to get a good job.

“ThroughLearn. Earn. Legend!NRL players are providing a powerful voice for their communities and playing a strong role helping young Indigenous people make a successful transition from school to further education or employment.

“Having positive role models to encourage young people to stay in school and finish their education is one way we can close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.”

The All Stars Regional Tour began on 22 January in Batemans Bay and was followed by a visit to Condobolin yesterday. It will continue around regional Australia visiting Wilcannia (26 January); Walgett (28 January) and Moree (30 January)

Senator Arbib said as well as meeting some of their heroes, 30 students – six from each community – would be chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“From 12 to 16 June, 30 young Indigenous people will travel to Sydney to participate in work experience, leadership and mentoring activities with Rugby League State of Origin sponsor organisations,” Senator Arbib said.

“Those students selected will have shown that they have adopted the spirit ofLearn. Earn. Legend!– regularly attending school and setting a good example for their peers.

“Their work experience will take place during the State of Origin series and as a reward the students will have the chance to have dinner with the players and go to an origin game and see their heroes in action.”

Blues coach Ricky Stuart will also act as a mentor to the students.

Senator Arbib thankedLearn. Earn. Legend!ambassador, Scott Prince and all the other players who had put their hand up to play in the game and assist in mentoring young Indigenous Australians.

“Scott and the other players have been fantastic over the past year as role models for Australia’s young Indigenous population,” Senator Arbib said.

“It is no secret that young Indigenous people look up to the All Stars players as role models. They are proof that through hard work and determination you can become a legend in your community.”