Here at Jobfind, our purpose is to empower the people and communities we work with every day. Just recently, we had the great pleasure of sponsoring 30 Cairns locals to compete as the Northern United team (pictured above) in the 2023 Gordonvale Indigenous Rugby League Carnival.
The rugby league carnival in Gordonvale is a much-loved event in the Cairns region that brings community together, builds teamwork and showcases amazing talent and skills. This year’s event drafted 24 teams, including the Jobfind-sponsored and newly formed Northern United team.
Northern United is made up of 30 players from Yarrabah and across the region to Cape York. Several of the players participate or work in Jobfind’s local youth employment service, Transition to Work. We were delighted to be able to sponsor the team’s jerseys as well as supporter kits for friends and families.
L to R: Lewis Thaiday and Lewis Murgha
Community Benefits
The Gordonvale Indigenous Rugby League is a prime example of the benefits of sport: it fosters social inclusion, builds teamwork skills, boosts confidence and resilience, and of course, is a lot of fun!
And it’s not just the players who benefit – the whole community gets to witness the amazing talent on show and the commitment and dedication of players and organisers.
That’s why Jobfind was delighted to be invited to a pre-carnival dedication ceremony on the eve of the tournament, where the jerseys were blessed, and we met the team’s family and friends. Attendees enjoyed a BBQ at the ceremony and everyone was feeling excited for kick-off the following day.
Transition to Work Manager, Wendy Sike, presenting jerseys to the team
On game day, the Jobfind team manned our information stand and spoke with dozens of people about our employment and education supports for young people. It was incredible to connect with the community at such an energetic event.
The Jobfind team were excited to attend the event
Game Day
During the incredible weekend of rugby, we saw the amazing spirit of the local communities and the support for their teams. Northern United successfully advanced to the tournament’s knockout stage, presenting an impressive challenge against the Paga Panthers. They narrowly missing victory by just two points but we are so proud of them, playing together for the first time as a team.
Check out the amazing gallery of photos (below) thanks to Youth Mentor and photographer, Russell Burton.
Congratulations to the organisers of the event. Being part of the event was an incredible opportunity for Jobfind to support the local team and community and let more people know about the tailoired support we deliver to young people exploring their education and employment options.
Transition to Work
Workforce Australia-Transition to Work is a government-funded employment and education service for young people.
If you’re aged 15 to 24 and you left school early, or you’re having difficulty finding a job after school, the Transition to Work program can help. The program can help you into work, apprenticeships and training, or education.
Jobfind offers Transition to Work in Cairns and surrounding areas.
To enquire or read more about Jobfind’s specialised employment and education support for young people, click here.
