Zaleah with Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling and NRL Cowboys House Career Transition Officer Zara Doherty
Now, Zaleah is taking on her next big challenge, entering the world of employment after earning the role as Trainee Administration Officer with the Cowboys Community Foundation, based at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Hutchinson Builders Centre.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and grow as a person and an employee, it will also provide me with excellent career options in the future,” Zaleah said.
“My main role is supporting the team with administration tasks and helping out where I can for community programs like the Cowboys 50-50 Charity Raffle,” she said.
“This job is also rewarding because it’s a way I can give back to the community and the organisation which has helped support me.”
Zaleah's role is based at Hutchinson Builders Centre where she also trains with the Cowboys Junior Women's Elite Pathways Squad
Also a talented rugby league player, when Zaleah’s not behind her desk, she can be found working hard in the Cowboys gym.
She is one of only 12 under 19’s in North Queensland to be selected in the Cowboys Junior Women’s Elite Pathways Squad, nurturing young talent for opportunities in the NRLW.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said Zaleah was a wonderful new asset to the Foundation and the Club.
“We have had the pleasure of getting to know Zaleah over the years she was a member of our Cowboys House family, she was always so kind, had beautiful manners and an ability and commitment to support other new young girls in their journeys,” Fiona said.
“Our NRL Cowboys House Career Transitions team worked with Zaleah to prepare her for this opportunity, she did a fantastic job in her interview and has already slotted into our team seamlessly,” she said.
“For context, Zaleah’s home town has around 250 residents, her school here in Townsville had over 2000 students, the House has over 100 fellow boarders and 60 staff, and her new workplace at Cowboys HQ has over 50 employees.
"Her journey gives you an understanding of the challenges our young people overcome in moving away from home to achieve equity in education and employment outcomes.”
The Career Transitions program, presented by Edify Energy, works closely with Year 10-12 students and their families to identify career and training pathways and support students on their way to economic independence.
The Cowboys Community Foundation is the community arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys. It improves employment, health and social outcomes through education-based programs, including NRL Cowboys House.
To support inspiring young people like Zaleah in achieving their goals, donate today.
