Rugby league helping to empower young women
In celebration of 2021 NAIDOC week we are pleased to highlight the Newtown Lions Rugby League Club and chat with young mum and star player, Kiara Taylor.
Tell us who you are, and where your mob are from?
I am from the Mandandanji and Yuwaalaraay tribes and my parents grew up in St. George and Dirranbandi in South West Queensland.
Can you tell us about your club?
Newtown Lions is run by membership from the community. It is supported immensely by volunteers. Newtown Lions player groups have a majority of Indigenous people.
How has the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport supported you in your endeavours?
Supporting our club by investing in women's sport which will provide new change rooms for women.
What progress or milestones have been made possible because of this support?
For the first time we have a Women's team in the TRL comp.
What achievements are you most proud of to date?
My proudest achievement to date is bringing my daughter into this world in December 2019 and raising her into a beautiful little woman.
What are you hoping to achieve with your club moving forward? What are your goals (in the next three to five years)?
Be an established Football club, having a strong link between the juniors and seniors.
What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
NAIDOC week means that we can celebrate the history, achievements and the cultures of our people past, present and emerging.
Why do you think it is important for Queenslanders to celebrate NAIDOC Week?
As Queenslanders, I think it’s important that we celebrate together to acknowledge the histories, cultures and achievements of our people
What does the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme ‘Heal Country’ mean to you?
‘Heal Country’ is the theme for NAIDOC week this year and it’s important that we involve and empower our people to embrace our cultural knowledge and understanding of our country as first nation people. To ensure that we continue to seek protections of our land, waters and sacred sites in our country.