The Intrust Super Cup will head to Eskdale Park, Maryborough when the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Sunshine Coast Falcons go head to head on Sunday, April 5.
The match-up is designated as the Seagulls’ Indigenous Recognition game and will be an extension of the long-running partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices preventative health program.
It’ll be a full week of cultural festivities with supporters encouraged to get involved.
Activities include school visits in the lead up, plus an open training session and fan day on Saturday, prior to three blockbuster games on the Sunday.
If fans can’t make the match, they can tune into the live Channel Nine coverage from1.10pm.
Match Day will feature multiple interactive activities for families coordinated by the local Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Care Service team, plus the opportunity to meet a host of stars, headlined by rugby league icons and Deadly Choices Ambassadors Petero Civoniceva, Preston Campbell and Brenton Bowen.
During Saturday’s open training session, fans are invited to watch the team’s ‘Captains Run’ the day before the match, grab some autographs and practice their own skills.
Seagulls’ Chief Executive Officer Hanan Laban is excited to see the club take their first game to Maryborough as part of a three year partnership with the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
“The Seagulls are proud to continue our tradition of hosting our Indigenous Recognition match and to take it to a new part of our catchment area is really exciting.
“This is an important and highly anticipated fixture on our calendar, as it allows us to engage with the community, promote the Fraser Coast and also highlight some important health messages.
“This year we take on the Sunshine Coast Falcons in what is sure to be another great game.”
The Seagulls continue a longstanding partnership with Deadly Choices to deliver this annual event.
Adrian Carson, CEO of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, the governing body of Deadly Choices said that the Institute values the partnership and what it has achieved.
“At Deadly Choices, we educate our youth about the negative impacts of smoking and drinking alcohol, and discuss the importance of going to school,” said Mr Carson.
“This makes our partnership with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls a perfect fit, by allowing us to highlight critical health services provided by Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Care Service to local communities.
“Our annual showcase also provides a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the cultural significance and valued contributions of the local Badtjala people as traditional owners and custodians of the land.”
Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Care Service CEO, Steve Ober says his team is excited to be assisting such a landmark event in support of the Deadly Choices – Seagulls partnership.
“Our local Deadly Choices teams in Maryborough and Hervey Bay continue to make vital contributions to the overall health of our communities. This event provides the perfect platform to instigate dialogue with our community members about the importance of making those deadly, healthy choices,” said Ober.
“Stakeholders have agreed to ensure this fixture will be a totally alcohol, tobacco and sugar free event with healthy food to be sold from the canteen, which aligns perfectly with the key objectives of Deadly Choices.
“Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to ensure their 715 ‘Health Check’ is up-to-date through Galangoor Duwalami Health Services, which will provide free admission to the event.”
Fraser Coast Regional Council CEO Ken Diehm said the event would provide a major tourism boost for the Fraser Coast with the teams bringing their supporters and players to the region.
“Major sporting events like this bring an influx of visitors who inject significant dollars into our local economy when they spend money with local businesses, such as accommodation providers and restaurants and cafes,” he said.
“The fact the match will be televised on Channel 9 to an expected audience of more than 50,000 people is fantastic and helps shine the spotlight on what our region has to offer.
“Council is determined to ensure we build a strong and resilient economy alongside a healthy and active community. This event helps achieve both those goals.”
Gates will open on match day at 11:30am, with the Intrust Super Cup match to be played first at 1.10pm, followed by Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup at 3.10pm and Hastings Deering Colts at 4:40pm.
Further updates and information will be posted on wynnumseagulls.com.au