Driven by Community: Toyota Australia and Deadly Choices Team Up for an Unforgettable Indigenous Round Experience
When the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys took to the field for their Indigenous Round match in Townsville, a special group of young First Nations players had already enjoyed their own moment in the spotlight.
Thanks to the generosity of principal partner Toyota, children participating in Mini League had the opportunity to travel from Mackay to Townsville and take part in the on-field experience ahead of the NRL clash, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As the presenting partner of Mini League, Toyota stepped up to cover the travel and accommodation costs for the Mackay group, ensuring more young First Nations participants could be part of one of the club's most significant celebrations of the season.
The initiative brings together two valued Cowboys partners united by a shared commitment to supporting young people, strengthening communities and creating meaningful opportunities for connection through sport.
The children joined their Townsville counterparts on the field as part of the Cowboys Mini League program, giving them the chance to experience the excitement of game day at Queensland Country Bank Stadium while representing their communities on one of rugby league's biggest stages.
Vin Naidoo, General Manager, National Marketing, Toyota Australia said the opportunity to help young people participate in Indigenous Round was a natural fit for the organisation.
"As the presenting partner of Mini League, we're passionate about creating opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence and enjoy experiences they'll remember for years to come," he said.
"We are honoured to support Deadly Choices in making this experience possible. Seeing young people from across North Queensland come together on the field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium is exactly what community partnerships are all about. We hope this opportunity inspires these children to stay active, dream big and continue being proud ambassadors for their communities”
Deadly Choices Executive Director, Corey Kirk said the support from Toyota would make a significant impact for the young participants and their families.
"Deadly Choices is all about empowering our young people to make positive choices and stay connected to culture, community and healthy lifestyles. Sport is one of the most powerful ways to deliver that message.
"Thanks to Toyota's generosity, more First Nations children will have the chance to run onto a professional rugby league field, celebrate who they are and create memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle."
Deadly Choices is one of Australia's leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion programs, empowering communities to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Delivered through community-led initiatives, education programs, sporting partnerships and health campaigns, Deadly Choices encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to stay active, eat well, connect with culture and access regular health checks.
The commitment from both Toyota Australia and Deadly Choices highlights the impact that can be achieved when organisations work together to invest in the next generation. With Indigenous Round providing a platform to honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Toyota's contribution helped ensure more young people could take part in this unforgettable occasion.
