Redcliffe Royalty Unveils New-Look League Pathways
Published 22 March 2023
As the ladder-leading Dolphins affirm themselves in the NRL during the early stages of the 2023 competition, the Arthur Beetson Foundation (ABF) Queensland Murri Carnival plans on delivering a smorgasbord of aspiring talent to the Club’s doorstep, following today’s official event launch and opening of registrations in Redcliffe.
Set to be staged in a rejuvenated format at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on September 22-30, the ABF Queensland Murri Carnival will seek to place even greater emphasis on the development of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sporting talent.
Of particular significance at the 2023 event, will be a focus on youth, running across an increased eight-day format (including lay-day on Monday), starting with Open Men’s and Women’s competition, before an extensive underage program will see boys and girls up to 18 years vying for Queensland representative honours, plus young children aged 6-12 years competing in the Junior Murri Carnival to close off proceedings.
Dolphins foundation player Edrick Lee was joined by Deadly Choices Ambassadors Willie Tonga and Tracey Thompson, plus a contingent of Junior Murri Carnival players during a star-studded ushering in of team registrations for the 2023 event.
Other proud locals, State Member for Redcliffe, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’ath, along with Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Peter Flannery were also on hand to unveil an event that places the Peninsula as a pivotal landmark for top level league contests, but also as a haven for health and wellbeing among Queensland’s First Nations populations.
The late great Arthur Beetson must be smiling down on us with immense pride to see his beloved Dolphins making history in the NRL while the Queensland Murri Carnival returns to Kayo Stadium and Moreton Bay for the ninth time,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Council has played a significant part in both organisations’ journeys, and we’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting the legendary Murri Carnival for a further three years (2023-2025) in Moreton Bay, which includes further support through our event sponsorship program.
“Artie was a great inspiration to all of us and a great role model to young aspiring indigenous boys and girls to be the best they can be.
“The Murri Carnival has continued that legacy by providing a huge support for these young people to navigate their way through life - and that’s something we want to be a part of.
“The competitors, family, staff and friends have long been great supporters of the Moreton Bay region and I hope they get an opportunity to explore and enjoy our hospitality when they are here in September.
“We estimate that this event itself will inject close to $1 million dollars into our local economy for shops, cafes, accommodation providers, suppliers and many more, which is a significant boost for local businesses.”
The Dolphins matching that commitment, realising the ABF Queensland Murri Carnival could very well unearth the calibre of talent that has already graduated from the Statewide format, including its own current stars, cousins Edrick and Brenko Lee.