Location: Cape York, QLD
Dates: 13th to 16th October 2022
Kowanyama means “place of many waters” in the Yir Yoront language. The community includes the Kokoberra, Yir Yoront [or Kokomenjen] and Kunjen clans, who each have language and other cultural differences.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire consists of beautiful and unique wetlands and delta mangroves in the north, extending to the bushland forest country of the central peninsula.
Greater than 1000 people now live in Kowanyama, making it one of the largest communities on the Cape York Peninsula. Kowanyama's Aboriginal people continue to identify strongly with their ancestral countries and with the languages, stories, songs, dances, and histories associated with those countries.
Kowanyama
Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
13 Oct 2022
Morning
Travel day for most players from BNE to KWM via WEI (RAF).12:00PM
North Queensland Players arrive and meet-and-greet with Council.3:00PM
Coaching clinics with kids and community at the Sports Grounds.EVENING
Dinner at the HACC with aged care clients and Council. -
Day 2
14 Oct 2022
DAYTIME (2Hrs / Activity)
Split into four groups for community engagement activities, school engagement and coaching clinics with players and NRL staff, cultural centre tour, Topsy Creek and On-Country tour with the Kowanyama Rangers. Lunch will be provided for players by the Blue Cafe staff.EVENING
Community BBQ on the Field with fun games of touch rugby the league drills.Players meet-and-greet community members.
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Day 3
15 Oct 2022
MORNING
Teams travel to Topsy for fishing.12:00PM
Lunch at the Training Centre.2:00PM
Arrive at the Field and assist with kids' league tag games.4:00PM
Curtain raiser for Kowanyama vs. Pompuraaw.4:45PM
Pre-game dance and Welcome to Country (NAIDOC Celebrations).5:00PM
Main game kick-off for
Mal Meninga All Stars vs. Wally Lewis All Stars.6:00PM
Photos and official game proceedings conclude.7:30PM
Corporate Dinner for major sponsors and special guests at the Sports Club (100 tickets available, raffles and auctions of special items). -
Day 4
16 Oct 2022
MORNING
BBQ Breakfast at Kowanyama Airport for players and community members prior to departure.
Future Immortal All Star Teams
Future Immortal Players
Rugby League’s champions giving back to the game and getting something themselves in return
The ABF Future Immortals Tour events will provide the opportunity for former NRL players to stay engaged in Rugby League post the end of their careers. Retirement can be hard on players as they step out of the spotlight and transition back into the community.
This can have a lasting effect both physically and mentally on the NRL “old boys” as they try and adjust their mindset and routine into a different way of life that they are used to. For this reason we’re giving them the chance to give back, whilst giving disadvantaged communities access to their heroes.