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North Queensland Cowboys help Indigenous Australians ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve’

Jobs, Land and Economy
Students from the North Queensland Cowboys Dream Believe Achieve program volunteer at the Cowboys Community Foundation Ball.

Twenty Indigenous Australians are achieving their employment dreams through the Dream, Believe, Achieve hospitality training program.

The North Queensland Cowboys have teamed up with Allara Learning to help Indigenous Australians achieve their employment dreams through the Dream, Believe, Achieve hospitality training program.

On Friday 27 May, twenty students graduated with a nationally recognised qualification in hospitality, at a Reconciliation Week gala breakfast event held at the North Queensland Cowboys’ home ground, 1300SMILES Stadium.

At the event, they showcased their newly acquired skills to Cowboys players, key industry leaders, government officials and prospective employers.

The 6-week program was run by Allara Learning, who provided an intensive hospitality training course for eager participants.

Professional trainers taught using a mix of classroom-based and hands-on instruction, while individual support was provided by a dedicated Cowboys mentor.

Students had the chance to work in restaurants, bars and food preparation areas. Past and present players from the Cowboys also visited the classes to encourage and inspire the trainees.

One of the graduates was mother of three, Tina Newman. Having never completed a qualification outside of school, she did the course because she wanted to further her knowledge and skills in the hospitality industry and to provide for her family.

Another graduate, Rikki-Lee Parter says she wants to stay in a long-term job and hopes to complete another hospitality qualification in the future. 

“I now have a better understanding of the hospitality industry. I feel I am more organised and have learnt to be more positive and set goals.”

“Quality training provides the best platform for individuals to launch their career in their industry of choice,” said Greg Tonner, CEO of North Queensland Cowboys.

“The combination of quality training and mentor support that then links to paid employment, is a model that works.” 

“We are very proud to be partnering with the Cowboys,” said Andrew Lewis, CEO of Allara Learning

“Already 60 per cent of the graduates have gained employment, which is a great result and life-changing for the students and their families.”

Find out more

The North Queensland Cowboys’ Dream, Believe, Achieve hospitality program, run by Allara Learning, provides training and qualifications to Indigenous Australians aspiring to work in the hospitality industry. Students are then supported to take the next step into paid employment.