Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to congratulate Cairns Hockey Association's Aspire to be Deadly program, which has been selected as a finalist in the 2017 Queensland Reconciliation Awards. It is a wonderful recognition of the positive outcomes this program is achieving for Indigenous young women and girls through sport, mentoring and education. Aspire to be Deadly has grown from humble beginnings, under the skilled management of Julie McNeil, to an internationally-recognized community benefit program. I would also like to acknowledge the fabulous efforts of Wesley Ferns, Jess Fatnowna, Lisa Fatnowna and the Aspire Indigenous Mentor Program.

This is just the latest exciting development for Cairns Hockey. We are now working in conjunction with Tropicana Lodge and the Young Australians League on a proposal for the Kaziew Rangath academy. The academy will focus on students' physical, mental, academic and spiritual growth, with a strong support network and academic team so that each student will achieve their potential. We have seen the success of the AFL Cape York House for young men, and one has been recently announced for young women. Kaziew Rangath will enable young women from Cape York and the Torres Strait to board and attend school in Cairns and engage with Cairns Hockey. This is an exciting time and, as a key supporter, I wish Cairns Hockey and their partners the very best of luck at the Queensland Reconciliation Awards on 1 June.