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#DeadlyRoos World Cup campaign to improve ATSI health

Inspirational, The Health Industry

Members of the elite Australian Kangaroos Rugby League 2017 World Cup squad will headline the expansion of a successful grassroots campaign to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt AM, said legendary Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga and other indigenous and non-indigenous players would become ambassadors for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices program, to extend its reach across Australia.

“Deadly Choices is what I like to call a ‘jewel in the crown’ of indigenous health, achieving some stunning results since it kicked off in South East Queensland four years ago,” the Minister said.

“The Deadly Kangaroos is an expansion of this program, using the star power of the ambassadors and the excitement of this year’s World Cup to reach more even communities.

“Our national rugby league stars need to be in peak physical condition to play at the top of their game and we appreciate the players’ support to start discussions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about ways to improve their health.”

Deadly Choices is a community-based health lifestyle campaign launched in 2013. Through media campaigns, sports carnivals and community events it has prompted:

  • Almost 19,000 annual health checkups in South East Queensland
  • Active patient numbers to triple to over 330,000
  • 1,155 smoke-free household pledges
  • More than 3,300 smoker interventions

The Rugby League World Cup is Rugby League’s premier international competition.
First held in 1954, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup is the 15th iteration of the historic tournament.

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will feature 14 men’s and 6 women’s teams from around the globe hosted in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

#DeadlyRoos will be the hashtag used for the campaign.

Image:    Wikimedia Commons

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