NRL Cowboys House has been recognised for its ground-breaking work providing a culturally-safe boarding environment and a lifeline to quality secondary education for Indigenous students from some of Australia’s most geographically disadvantaged communities.

The Townsville residential facility has been awarded the National Award for Excellence in Indigenous Boarding by the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) at its annual national conference in Canberra.

ABSA is the leading authority on boarding for school-aged children, promotes the interests and well-being of boarders, boarding staff, boarding parents and boarding institutions in Australia. 

House General Manager Rochelle Jones said she was proud and humbled to accept the award on behalf of her hardworking and forward-thinking team and their wonderful students.

“This award is a testament to the transformative power of education and cultural support,” Rochelle said.

“The innovative wrap-around model at NRL Cowboys House makes it much more than a boarding house, we have created a home away from home where our students want to be and an environment where every student can truly flourish.”

The Cowboys Community Foundation is the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, approaching its 10^th year in operation with NRL Cowboys House as one of its flagship programs.

 

The boarding house breaks down the barriers of distance for over 100 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women from 30 North and Far North Queensland communities to access secondary education by supporting them to attend partner schools in Townsville.

 

The Boys Campus was established in 2017, the Girls Campus in 2019, with the first cohort of year 12 graduates emerging in 2020 and an average of 15 - 20 graduating every year since.

 

Students are supported to maintain their connection to culture through dance, artistry, didgeridoo and on Country programs. They receive individual and group educational support on campus and career and tertiary education pathway opportunities through collaborative programs with local partner businesses.

 

Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said this national recognition of excellence demonstrated the strength of the House’s community-centred model.

“The North Queensland community has absolutely embraced the NRL Cowboys House and our students,” Fiona said.

"Our young people aren’t just supported; they’re championed by a dedicated team of professionals who craft educational programs to meet their unique needs,” she said.

"We deeply appreciate our partner schools, corporate partners, government allies, donors, and volunteers who share our unwavering belief in these remarkable young people, empowering them to reach their full potential.

"It’s truly inspiring to see individuals and community groups take the initiative to fundraise for the Foundation’s programs, including NRL Cowboys House. Every single contribution, no matter the size, directly supports our transformative work."

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.

For more information on Cowboys Community Foundation programs including NRL Cowboys House and how to get involved or donate visit our website.