Spotlight on State of Origin stars as Queenslandhers shine in new campaign
Queensland Women’s State of Origin stars will share their stories of standing tall in the face of adversity to rise to the top of their sport, as Health and Wellbeing Queensland launches the next phase of an inspiring campaign celebrating the state’s Queenslandhers.
Queensland Rugby League and the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons have partnered with Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) to amplify the Queenslandher message in 2021.
HWQld Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said Queenslandher celebrated all women who had risen above challenging times and there was nobody more synonymous with this message than the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons.
“Highlighting the tough and challenging times these women have gone through, in order to play their chosen sport, at the top level, these stories include aspects of how these women have got through the difficulties, and risen to be at the top of their game,” Dr Littlewood said.
“The support of families, partners, teammates, mental wellbeing strategies, a focus on nutrition and physical activity, have all played a part.”
Headlining the Queenslandher message will be in-depth stories from captain Ali Brigginshaw and other Maroons players, Julia Robinson and Tazmin Gray.
Anything we can be doing as role models of our sport to inspire the next generation of young girls to live an educated, healthy, balanced lifestyle is beneficial for all
Captain Ali Brigginshaw
Each player’s feature will delve into their background, journey, the juggles of their semi-professional careers and the steps they’ve taken to ensure their bodies and minds are capable to deliver elite performances.
Brigginshaw said she is delighted to be associated with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, and the Queenslandher initiative.
“Anything we can be doing as role models of our sport to inspire the next generation of young girls to live an educated, healthy, balanced lifestyle is beneficial for all,” said Ms Brigginshaw.
In addition, Brigginshaw will lead the re-enactment of the famous Billy Moore ‘Queenslander’ cry from 1985, with a modern 2021 spin – ‘’Queenslandher!’
This will be done in the hope to hear the cries of Queenslandher ring out from Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday, June 25 when the state’s flagship women’s team goes in search of back-to-back shields.
Queensland Rugby League Managing Director, Rob Moore said QRL was proud to partner with HWQld as part of its goal to support all Queenslanders with their physical activity, nutrition and wellbeing needs, through policies, programs, research, resources and partnerships.
“The partnership with HWQld is a key step in delivering against the partnership pillar of our Female Strategy designed at collaborating with like-minded organisations that share our passion for supporting females in sport and the growth of the game,” Moore said.
“Working collaboratively with consumers, clinicians and communities, through partnerships and in places, together we can make change happen for Queensland,” added Dr Littlewood.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland was established in July 2019 to improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders and reduce health inequities while also working in partnership with other organisations to reduce risk factors that lead to chronic diseases.
To learn more about the Queenslandher campaign, and view the players’ videos, visit www.hw.qld.gov.au/queenslandher
