Kowanyama Bushfires coordinators Adryanna Gilbo, Beatrice Lawrence and Katelyn Lees are ready to welcome women onto the rugby league field. Photos: Supplied.
A new rugby league team bringing women onto the field in Kowanyama is creating a space of inspiration, connection and mental health through sport.
The Kowanyama Bushfires started training in August and are currently inviting women and girls of all abilities to join the team as they work to form an official club through Queensland Rugby League.
Coordinator Katelyn Lees said there had already been great support for the initiative in its early stages.
“JCU Connect is going to help pull in some sponsorship to try and get uniforms and things we need, and One Tree Community Services is going to donate drink bottles and equipment, because we’ve got no equipment,” she said.
“Council donated three balls, and I personally went to all the op shops in Cairns and picked up as many footy boots as I could so they could have something to get started with.
“There’s been a lot of backing, which is really awesome.”
While the women’s team is only for those aged 17 and over, Lees said young girls also participated in the training sessions.
“The women are showing the girls strength and confidence, and what teamwork in community looks like,” she said.
“We want them to grow up seeing local role models, being involved in positive activities, and feel proud to wear the Kowanyama Bushfires colours.
“Sport can give children routine, confidence, connection, leadership skills and somewhere positive to belong.”
Lees said the ultimate goal was for the Kowanyama Bushfires to grow into a full club with women’s, men’s and junior teams.
“Eventually, hopefully next year, we’ve got a really good team together, and they can get out and play against other teams around Cape York and Cairns,” she said.
“I look at the other communities, and there’s so much going on, and hopefully, this is the start of something really good for Kowanyama.
“Ultimately, we want the Kowanyama Bushfires to become something the whole community can be proud of — a club where our little ones can start, grow through the ages, and one day, become the players, coaches, referees and leaders of the future.”
The Kowanyama Bushfires hope to grow into a full club with opportunities for junior players to progress and find a sense of belonging.