Titans launch Beyond Tomorrow project

[DIEHARD]

$3.5 million for indigenous projects

The federal government will provide two Queensland NRL clubs with more than $2 million to run indigenous education and employment programs.

These projects form part of more than $3.5 million in federal funding announced on Wednesday.

The Beyond Tomorrow project, to be run by the Gold Coast Titans, will receive more than $1.5 million to offer traineeships and mentoring programs.

The Brisbane Broncos will also receive funding of $650,000 to improve retention rates and achievement levels for young indigenous people in their final years of school.

A further $1.4 million will boost federal and Queensland government funding of the the Year 12 Destinations Project to encourage indigenous students into further education and training.

The projects are part of the federal government's 2011 Learn Earn Legend program, which encourages young indigenous people to stay at school.

Indigenous Employment and Sport Minister Mark Arbib, in announcing the funding for the projects, said the best way to overcome indigenous disadvantage was through encouraging children to stay in school and get the skills needed to get long-term jobs.

"Our rugby league players are heroes in the community and can provide great role models for young people," he said in a statement.

"With 20 per cent of 2008 indigenous Year 12 graduates still unemployed, these projects will ensure that this unacceptably high number is not repeated."

Mr Arbib also helped launch the new Indigenous All Stars jersey at the Gold Coast Titans Centre for Excellence at Robina.

The jersey will be used by the team when it plays the NRL All Stars on February 12, 2011 at Robina's Skilled Park.

The match will mark the third anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations in federal parliament.

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