Whether it's helping guide tugboats through the Port of Townsville, obtaining a security licence, learning the trade of a diesel fitter or getting hands-on in an automotive workshop, work experience is opening doors for NRL Cowboys House students in 2026 with the support of a new grant partnership between the Cowboys Community Foundation and Macquarie Sports.
The collaboration is strengthening the NRL Cowboys House Career Transitions Program and Graduate Campus, helping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people confidently transition from school into employment, further education and independent living.
The Cowboys Community Foundation is one of only two organisations nationally selected as a multi-year Macquarie Sports grant partner, recognising the strength of the House’s Career Transitions model and commitment to creating long-term employment outcomes for young people from remote and very remote communities.
Macquarie Sports, part of the Macquarie Group Foundation, was established in 1999 to create opportunities for young people through sport. Macquarie Sports also provides grants to sporting organisations that run programs supporting young people on their path to employment.
NRL Cowboys House is home during the school term to more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from remote and very remote communities across northern Queensland. Many young people arrive several years academically behind their urban peers due to limited access to educational opportunities in their home communities.
Since opening in 2017, every student who has remained through to Year 12 has graduated, with graduates progressing into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and tertiary education.
Work experience plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school and NRL Cowboys House. Through partnerships with organisations including ARC, Wilson Security, Downer Group, Engage Marine, Mike Carney Toyota and Fulton Hogan, students gain practical industry experience, build confidence and explore career pathways while still completing their education.
For 2024 graduate Steven Tom, that opportunity became the foundation of his career. While completing Year 12, Steven gained valuable workplace employment as a gym attendant at the Defence Base through our Boys Campus presenting partner, Downer Group. During this time, he also obtained his security licence, which enabled him to secure full-time employment with another of our corporate partners, Wilson Security. Today, Steven lives at the Graduate Campus while continuing to build his career and future in Townsville.
The support from Macquarie Sports will build on stories like Steven's by enabling tailored support from school through to employment, expanding work experience opportunities and creating stronger connections with employers across North Queensland and beyond.
It will also support the Graduate Campus, providing culturally safe, affordable accommodation and practical support for graduates who choose to remain in Townsville as they establish careers, pursue further education and develop the skills needed for independent living.
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to removing barriers and creating lasting opportunities for young people.
"Education is only one part of the journey. Ensuring our young people can successfully transition into employment and independent living is equally important," Ms Pelling said.
"Many of our students come from remote and very remote communities where access to education, training and employment opportunities can be limited. Through NRL Cowboys House, we see incredible potential in every young person who walks through our doors.
"Support from Macquarie Sports allows us to provide even greater outcomes beyond graduation, helping more young people build meaningful careers while remaining connected to their culture, families and communities."
Chris McKenzie, Associate Director, Macquarie Sports said the organisation was proud to partner with the Cowboys Community Foundation to help more young people overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures.
"Macquarie Sports supports sports-focused organisations that create meaningful education, training and employment opportunities for young people, aligning with the Macquarie Group Foundation’s Future Ready program which supports people on their path to employment. The Cowboys Community Foundation has demonstrated an outstanding ability to support students well beyond the classroom," Mr McKenzie said.
“NRL Cowboys House is equipping young people with the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive in further education, employment and independent living.
“We're proud to support a program that is creating lasting opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and strengthening pathways to economic independence."
Through the support of Macquarie Sports, NRL Cowboys House will expand employer partnerships, creating more work experience opportunities, apprenticeships and employment pathways for students and graduates as they take the next step beyond school.
Visit Macquarie Sports for more information.
