Second annual Learn. Earn. Legend! Indigenous All Stars game kicks off

Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Sport Mark Arbib will tonight attend the second annual Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars Game to support theLearn. Earn. Legend!message.

The NRLLearn. Earn. Legend!Indigenous All Stars and the NRL All Stars are expecting a sell out crowd as they play at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast

Ms Macklin said the game provided a fantastic platform for Indigenous Australians to witness their role models work together as a team and display the drive and determination that has lead to their success.

“These players are proof that with determination and dedication you can succeed in your chosen path, whether that is on the sporting field, in the office or on a building site,” Ms Macklin said.

“The game also recognises the three year anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous People, delivered to the Australian Parliament on the 13 February, 2008.

“Following on from the Apology, the Government has committed to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage. It is fantastic that these NRL sports stars have put their hands up to be role models and leaders in Australians Indigenous communities.”

In addition to the All Stars game, the Gillard Government is also sponsoring aLearn. Earn. Legend!Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo at Skills Park. Indigenous job seekers were provided with the opportunity to connect directly with potential employers and training options.

Earlier in the day Senator Arbib had the opportunity to meet with some of the 120 participants of the All Stars Indigenous Youth Summit, supported by the Australian Government.

“The 120 participants are Indigenous leaders of the future. They have been selected from communities around Australia due to their outstanding contributions to their community and their desire to learn more about their heritage and culture,” Senator Arbib said.

“These young leaders have a fantastic opportunity to meet inspirational role models such as Scott Prince and Preston Campbell, listen to their stories and learn from their experiences.” Senator Arbib said the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars Game was a culmination of a week of Learn. Earn. Legend! activities in partnership with the NRL, the leadership of Australia’s NRL players and the Government’s commitment to closing the gap.

“TheLearn. Earn. Legend!partnership with the NRL and the Indigenous All Stars is all about promoting the message for young Indigenous Australians to stay at school and aspire to good jobs, for themselves and their communities,” Senator Arbib said.

“The best way to overcome Indigenous disadvantage is through encouraging young people to get an education and get the skills they need to get long-term jobs

For the second consecutive year, the NRL Indigenous All Star team is sponsored by the Australian Government under its Learn Earn Legend! initiative.

“The Australian Government is committed to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage. Part of this commitment is to halve the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous unemployment within a decade,” said Senator Arbib.

“The NRL have done a fantastic job in organising and supporting the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars Game and I congratulate them in their efforts to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.”