Townsville Chiefs presented NRL Cowboys House Students with the new cultural drum sets
Drumming up support
A group of correctional officers have raised over $10,000 to support NRL Cowboys House to launch a new cultural well-being program.
The Townsville Chiefs raised the funds to purchase two cultural drum sets which will be used as part of a new initiative to enhance student well-being through cultural engagement, emotional expression and community connection.
The drums will be used in a new NRL Cowboys house program boosting student well-being
Playing footy and raising funds
The Chiefs are a masters rugby league team made up of staff from the Townsville Correctional Centre who volunteer their time to support community causes.
They have been playing footy and raising funds since they formed in 2019 but say this has been their largest total yet.
“We just try to make a small difference,” said Chiefs organiser Russ Longson.
“Coming from what can be a negative environment, this is our proactive way of trying to stay ahead of the black dog and it’s a great way to give back as well,” he said.
“We like to donate meaningful items as opposed to simply handing over cash or a cheque, so we met with Rochelle and the team at NRL Cowboys House to understand what would help them make a further difference to their students and they mentioned the benefits the drums would bring.”
The Chiefs doubled their efforts to sell raffle tickets at locations across Townsville over months with support from their opponents Brother’s Old Boys, before the teams ran out at Queensland Country Bank Stadium for their charity match last month.
The Chiefs and Brothers Old Boys played a charity match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Well-being benefits
NRL Cowboys House General Manager Rochelle Jones said the drums would bring many positive benefits to the students who come from some of Australia’s most geographically remote communities to board at the House and attend secondary school in Townsville.
“Our new program will be a fusion of cultures, teaching the students drumming techniques as well as Indigenous stories told through song,” Rochelle said.
“The flow on benefits include fostering a sense of community, encouraging creative expression, and providing a fun and engaging way to reduce stress,” she said.
“We’re so grateful to the Chiefs for their continued support and to the community for getting behind their fundraising efforts and we can’t wait to see and hear the difference these drums make to our students.”
The Chiefs have previously donated funds towards volleyball equipment at the boys and girls campuses.
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.
Find out more about how you, your business, or your club can support the Cowboys Community Foundation HERE.
