6 September, 2012
Knockout major sponsor named
Wednesday, September 5 2012
The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has announced today they will be this year's major sponsors of the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.
Hosted in 2012 by reigning champs, the Mindaribba Warriors Football Club, the knockout has fast become the premier national gathering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Â
Described in many circles as a 'modern day corroboree', the knockout brings together some 6,000 participants and their families from all over the state during the October long weekend.
NSWALC Chairman, Stephen Ryan, said his Council was proud to provide a community benefit reaching so many people in NSW.
"The reach of the knockout cannot be underestimated.
"Whether you hate the game of rugby league or love it like a boori (child), there's no mistaking just how many of our mob get involved over the long weekend," he said.
"The NSWALC Council has decided to grant funding to reduce the nomination fees for participating teams."
The NSWALC commitment will reduce the nomination fee for men from $1,800, down to $800, and those for the women's teams from $1,500 to $900. The difference between fees for the men and women is due to insurance issues.
Tom Miller, President of Mindaribba Warriors Football Club said the Mindaribba community looked forward to hosting the event.
"The knockout is a huge deal for us at Mindaribba. We've been working hard to put on the biggest and best knockout yet, and we can't wait to for kick-off.
"We're extremely grateful to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council for coming on board yet again this year and supporting this important community event.
"There's no other event in Aboriginal Australia that even comes close to the knockout, so it's great to see NSWALC's support.
This year's event will be held in Raymond Terrace over the October long weekend at the Lakeside Oval in Raymond Terrace. It's a smoke and alcohol free event expected to pull in an attendance this year of 20,000.
Team nominations close at 5pm this Friday, September 7, 2012.
For further information or media interviews, please contact Coordinator, William 'Smiley' Johnstone on 0432 034 968.