Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has today launched a Centrelink staff initiative to encourage remote Northern Territory communities to adopt more healthy and active lifestyles.
New Centrelink CEO, Finn Pratt, and Centrelink’s Indigenous Ambassador and Rugby League legend, Artie Beetson, have joined the Minister in ‘kicking-off’ the project at the Parliament House sporting field.
“The ‘Kicking Goals for the NT’ Footy Gear Drive will see Centrelink staff across the country collect boots, shirts, shorts and balls from all football codes,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Centrelink staff are being encouraged to bring in items from home, or donate new items, all through this week.”
“Toll Logistics has generously donated its services to transport the footy gear to Centrelink offices in Darwin and Alice Springs next month, where it will then be distributed to communities.”
“The program is designed to support children and adults in remote communities to get involved in sporting activities.”
“One of the key goals of the Australian Government is to make significant and measurable improvements in the health of all Australians, particularly indigenous Australians, and sporting activities have an important role to play."
Senator Ludwig said the idea for the drive came from Centrelink staff.
“Centrelink has large numbers of staff regularly visiting remote communities throughout the NT. Initiatives like this give staff the chance to engage more deeply in the community and support the community in innovative ways,” he said.
“Centrelink already does a lot of fundraising for local communities, and the Footy Gear Drive is a great example of how staff go the ‘extra mile’ to provide assistance and support.”
“It’s pleasing to see that Medicare Australia staff are getting involved and will also be donating footy gear. The Footy Gear Drive is another example of Centrelink staff supporting people in remote communities.”
