NRL Cowboys House will receive an extension of funding from the Australian Government as part of the Youth Education Package aimed at closing the gap and breaking down barriers to education.
The $2.5 million contribution is an extension of funding committed to NRL Cowboys House by the federal government in 2017, due to expire this year under the current agreement which supports the Cowboys Community Foundation in the operation of the facility and services.
The announcement by the federal government was welcomed by Cowboys Community Foundation director Jeff Reibel.
“We are delighted that the federal government have committed to this extension of funding, especially given that we have experienced growth in our intake of students since the House’s inception three years ago,” Reibel said.
“To have this funding extended to cover 2020, 2021 and 2022 school years for our young people is a great endorsement of the outcomes we are achieving.”
NRL Cowboys House provides supported accommodation for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from some of North Queensland’s most remote and educationally disadvantaged communities.
Over 80 students are currently residing at the purpose-designed and culturally respectful NRL Cowboys House facility to access a full array of education opportunities in Townsville.
“We are very focused on providing the best possible solution for the students and families of NRL Cowboys House, which is possible thanks to the state and federal governments, our partners and friends, and businesses and communities involved in supporting us,” Rebiel said.
“We’re very proud of our students at the House and we want to do our absolute best in helping to develop their talent and passions so that they can achieve what they want to.”
Managed by the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, NRL Cowboys House is a joint initiative between the National Rugby League, North Queensland Cowboys, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.
Cowboys Community Foundation welcomes funding