Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Police and Community Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland welcomed National Rugby League (NRL) legends this week as part of the 14th annual Hogs National Tour.
NRL legend Brad Fittler shed his New South Wales jersey and put aside the state rivalry to empower young Queenslanders to develop leadership attributes and connect with their communities.
The team has travelled by motorbikes to PCYC hubs in Rockhampton, Kingaroy, Goondiwindi and today, Bundaberg, which is stop four of the five Queensland locations in the 6,000km journey.
The tour aims to engage with local young people to offer them a unique opportunity to play, learn, and interact with the game of rugby league, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride.
In each location, the PCYC has showcased one of their youth development programs.
During today's stop in Bundaberg, the teens participated in the Channelling Healthy Aggression Mentoring Project (CHAMP), where mentors and role models work alongside young people to improve their life choices and foster positive relationships.
Acting Superintendent Jacqui Honeywood, from the QPS Community Safety Group, is a passionate advocate of the partnership between the QPS and the PCYC which articulates the importance of youth development and community engagement projects such as the Hogs Tour.
"The Hogs Tour is another example of a PCYC program that develops our next generation of community leaders," Acting Superintendent Honeywood said.
"This is such a valuable opportunity not only for the kids engaged in our programs, but also for the NRL teams to give back to the community and inspire our youth to be great leaders and follow their passions.
"Our crime prevention and youth development programs help 50,000 young Queenslanders each year to
make positive life choices so they can be the best they can be."
PCYC State Operations Manager, Youth and Community Programs, Alex Weber shared his appreciation to the NRL for investing their time into the young people who attended the tour in what would be an unforgettable experience.
"We are really excited for the team at PCYC Queensland to be working with our QPS partners and the NRL on this Hogs Tour, which really celebrates young leaders in Queensland communities," Mr Weber said.
"It's terrific to be part of something that celebrates these communities, and the young people themselves.
"The young leaders involved are integral parts of their communities and truly embody the best of Queensland's young people."
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