United /

Aligned with one of the NSWRL's core values of UNITED, this Blues Foundation pillar underscores our commitment to the delivery of impactful community initiatives and programs that make a meaningful difference. We are dedicated to building stronger and united communities, an inclusive culture and enriching lives through positive Rugby League experiences.

NSWRL believes it can have a real impact in society and drive positive change through our community with Blues Foundation support across our diversity, equity and inclusion, multicultural, all abilities and mental fitness and wellbeing initiatives and programs. 

Here are some examples of programs that underpin our Foundation pillar of UNITED: 

Advancing Mental Fitness and Wellbeing

The NSWRL currently runs a mental fitness program, Changing Rooms, led by True Blue Paul Langmack, and delivered at Rugby League Clubs across the state, with a special focus on 12-20-year-olds. The program relies heavily on Government grants and the ClubGRANTS Scheme, limiting its potential for greater and sustained reach statewide. 

One of the Blues Foundation's goal is to fund mental fitness and wellbeing programs such as Changing Rooms and Mental Health First Aid - so everyone in the Rugby League community has access, for free, no matter where they live in NSW. 

This involves establishing a Change Crew (link to Changing Rooms Program) with at least one volunteer representing each of the 680 clubs across NSWRL who will be funded by the Foundation to complete Mental Health First Aid Certificate (5-6 year goal). A second stage would be more advanced training. These people would become official 'Purple Shirts' who are seen around the clubs during the competition season. 

 

Advancing Education and Equity

The NSWRL runs an annual 20-week Women in Sport Leadership program, in conjunction with the University of New England (UNE), that provides a unique opportunity for female leaders in various roles in Rugby League and other State Sporting Organisations to gain valuable skills and education to enhance their leadership and management opportunities. Participants graduate with nationally-recognised credits towards a Diploma or Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. This program is currently fully-funded by the NSWRL and has seen more than 50 women from 15 different sporting organisations graduate over the past three years. 

 

The Blues Foundation is seeking funding to help sustain this program as well as extending its reach with the introduction of a mini leadership program to identify future female leaders within the Rugby League member base and equip them with the basic tools to build confidence to take the next steps towards management/ leadership/ Board roles. This is in line with the State (40-40-20) and Federal Government (50-50) requirements for sporting organisations, at state and federal level, to increase female representation on Board. The rate in NSW across members and the NSWRL Boards is 20 per cent female and 80 per cent males. 

 

Advancing Culture and Inclusion, Promoting Reconciliation, Respect and Tolerance. 

The NSWRL, in conjunction with Heritage League, conducts an annual Harmony Nines event that brings together more than 1200 participants from 27 heritage groups. It began in 2009 with the aim of increasing Rugby League participation in multicultural communities across the state, as well as encouraging stronger understanding and harmony through Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) groups. This event relies on State Government funding. The Blues Foundation is seeking funds to support the ongoing growth and sustainability of this event, which relies on State Government grants and NSWRL funding. 

 

The NSWRL run a number of programs that promote reconciliation, respect and tolerance, in addition to Harmony Nines, aimed at the CALD community. 

 

More than 26,000 First Nations people are part of the Rugby League community as players, coaches, trainers and volunteers. The NSWRL has partnerships with KARI Foundation, Deadly Choices and Clontarf Foundation, but fully funds an annual Talented Aboriginal Athlete Program (TAAP), which provides an opportunity for promising teenage boys and girls to attend a training camp in Sydney and further opportunities to play in representative match(es). The Blues Foundation is seeking funds to grow this opportunity for more First Nations children. 

 

The NSWRL runs an annual Inclusion Gala Day, that brings together people of all abilities, genders and cultural backgrounds to showcase the different formats of Rugby League. The organisation is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming for diverse groups so they can experience the important positive social benefits and community connections that Rugby League brings, as well as the obvious health and fitness benefits. The NSWRL fully funds this program and is seeking funds to have greater reach and sustainability. 

 

The NSWRL hosts an annual #RESPECT Round focused on developing and implementing positive cultures and a safe and welcoming environment within our 700 community Rugby League clubs for almost 140,000 players and officials, as well as spectators. This is fully funded by the NSWRL and support is needed to increase the scale of the event to have even greater impact in this important area.