CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (2020 – 2023)

Junior Rugby Union is a game for players of all shapes and sizes, boys and girls, combining fun, fitness and teamwork. Find out how to register players online through the Rugby Xplorer app, competition details for 2020, representative pathways, player fees and training times. Come and meet our great coaches and volunteers, and enjoy a sausage sizzle, cold drinks and some drills. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Central Highlands Grass Roots Junior Rugby Union Development Strategy is the first developed by the CHJRU; it commences from the start of the 2020 season and covers three years until the end of 2023. The Strategy is designed to respond to the unique regional and remote challenges faced by players and potential players, and to create a pathway for Rugby to flourish in the Central Highlands. It does this by:

• addressing significant geographic barriers for rural communities through supporting locally-held competitions; • reducing the expenses of families and teams; • facilitating safe and secure options for boys and girls to travel when required; and • providing access to regional communities to high quality rugby union professionals that encourage participation in physical activity.

It is a combined effort from all teams who put individual interests aside for the greater benefit of the whole region. 2. OVERVIEW About the Central Highlands Junior Rugby Union Association Inc. (CHJRU)

The Central Highlands Junior Rugby Union Association is a not-for-profit incorporated entity which whose purpose is to:

• Facilitate the playing and practice of Rugby Union in all its forms • Promote the game in all its forms • Foster the development of members as players, coaches, referees, supporters and individuals

The CHJRU is committed to supporting boys and girls aged 6 to 18 from all backgrounds enjoy Rugby Union at primary, secondary school levels and in team competitions across the entire .

Two types of membership support the CHJRU: Individual membership which is available for individuals aged over 18 who have a genuine interest in Junior Rugby and support our values and initiatives, and Affiliate membership which recognises our sponsors. The Association is governed by an eight-member Management Committee and holds regular, friendly and inclusive General Meetings in order for all Members to collaboratively solve any issues or challenges, and progress Junior Rugby in our region.

Our core values enable players and supporters to understand the character of the game and what makes it distinctive as a sport.

• Fun • Integrity • Performance • Passion • Respect • Teamwork

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 1 of 6 3. Purpose of the Strategy Our Challenge: The Central Highlands region spans more than 60,000km2 – an area the size of Tasmania. While around 15,000 people live in the central hub of Emerald an equal number live in regional communities across the area. Geographic distance and lack of transport options are a significant barrier for all families wishing to participate in regional sports but particularly in rugby union. Until 2019, all rugby union games were played in Gladstone, and Mackay which represents a 1000km round trip for some families. In addition, the region has recently experienced drought, bushfires, and its workforce is characterised by a significant percentage undertaking shift work which limits time available for volunteering. National Rural Health Alliance Fact Sheet on Physical activity in rural , (2011) summarised barriers to physical activity which CHJRU has observed and seeks to address:

• lack of time, confidence and motivation to engage in physical activity; • limited available transport to sporting facilities and events; • inability to pay for sporting equipment, fees and transport; and • reduced access to professionals that encourage participation in physical activity.

The Opportunity: Over 26% of Central Highlanders are aged under 15 years (7800 children), compared to the average of 20%. There are 31 primary schools and 9 secondary schools in the Central Highlands region; 80% are located outside of Emerald, but all fall within a 150km radius from Emerald. It is well documented that sports participation in rural, remote, and regional Australian communities has been shown to improve social cohesion and health outcomes. It can bring regional communities together; contribute positively to community identity and sense of place; promote social interaction and community inclusion; and play an important role in providing opportunities for physical activity and improved health outcomes. Rugby union is unique in that it is a game that can be enjoyed by boys and girls of all sizes and shapes, and it also can support young people’s leadership opportunities in a number of non- playing roles - referees, administrators, coaches, trainers, etc.

The Strategy: The Strategy has several key aims, these being to identify 3-year strategic priorities and key actions for the CHJRU which;

• address geographic considerations for rural communities; • reduce the expenses of families and teams; • facilitate safe and secure options to support travel; and • provide access to regional communities to high quality rugby union professionals that encourage participation in physical activity.

It also aims to: • Communicate a common understanding of the CHJRU strategic priorities and player potential; • Provide a mechanism to strengthen relationships between key stakeholders relevant to Junior Rugby Union • Support the CHJRU to accurately measure the success of planned actions.

The Strategy was developed with extensive input from members and endorsed at Management Committee meeting 25 March 2020.

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 2 of 6 Central Highlands Grass Roots Junior Rugby Union Development Strategy

Purpose: To connect schools and teams in the Central Highlands with resources and opportunities to significantly grow player numbers and support quality and enjoyable local competitions for boys and girls.

Vision: By 2023, CHJRU will double the number of players and teams playing Junior Rugby Union from within the Central Highlands region

CHJRU Unique Value Proposition: Rugby Union is an inclusive game for boys and girls of all sizes and shapes, played in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Priority Areas Coach and Referee Competitions (Schools Player Clinics Celebration and Mentors Association Governance Development and Clubs) Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? • Education level of • Clinics introduce new • More teams enhance the • Reinforce the CHJRU • To achieve its goals the coaches is reflected in boys and girls to the quality of competitions values that characterise CHJRU must be run in the skills of players game in non-rugby throughout Central good competitions legal, responsible and • Quality refereeing and playing areas Highlands • Support a family-friendly effective way coaching ensures a safe • Teach correct technique • Provide new avenues for Assoc. • Sponsors and supporters playing environment for to ensure boys and girls boys and girls to play • Support children to can be happy and boys and girls play safely and enjoy Rugby Union make smart life choices confident investors of time and resources

How? How? How? How? How? Facilitate the delivery of • Conduct an annual • Deliver key events in the • Seek an Assoc. • Facilitate the delivery of programs that: program of skill clinics at Central Highlands: ambassador to programs that upskill • Ensure all teams meet schools / with junior Waitangi Day and champion and mentor Management Committee ARU requirements teams. Western 7s, CQ Junior CH Juniors members • Grow the number of • Provide the opportunity Rugby Muster • Promote player and • Maintain a sound available coaches and to learn from high level • Provide playing Assoc achievements financial position referees coaching and playing opportunities requiring through traditional and • Meet all legal and • Upskill junior coaches staff. no greater than 300km social media regulatory compliance • Upskill junior referees • Facilitate access to travel for players • Provide social requirements financial or travel • Facilitate access to opportunities for assistance to help financial or travel families and friendship engage new and assistance to help new

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 3 of 6 geographically isolated and geographically • Ensure succession for players. isolated teams establish. retiring Management • Advocate for home Committee members games in Capricornia • Facilitate volunteer blue competitions. cards 2020 Year 1 Results What? What? What? What? What? • 100% Smart Rugby • 3 x Rookies to Red • Waitangi Day, Western • QRU Reds player • 10 x committee online course for all clinics run for 50 players 7s hosted and delivered. originating from a members from all coaches at 3 locations • U10s and 12s regional town regions undertake • 6 x U10 & 12s coaches • 3 x Rugby Skills competition run in volunteered as CHJRU governance training complete Coaching kids Academy clinics run at 3 Central Highlands ambassador • All Office of Fair Trading skills Certificate course locations • Bus provided for U14 • Sausage sizzle, cold returns are compliant & • 6 x coaches – all ages – and U16 to engage in drinks etc provided for submitted on time complete Foundation Capricornia competition players following all • CHJRU finances Certificate • 2 home games played in training and games transferred to cloud • 4 x U10 & 12s coaches Emerald for both U14 • Media campaigns accounting complete Coaching Kids and U16 teams undertaken for season • All executive positions Accreditation program • Summer Comp under sign-up, clinics & special filled at AGM • 4 x coaches for U13- lights investigated for events • Sponsorship packages U18s complete Level 1 region for local business and coaching Accreditation corporate support • 4 x coaches complete developed Level 2 coaching Accreditation

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 4 of 6 4. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS Central Highlands Primary Schools Primary School Location Primary School Location Alpha State School Alpha Emerald State School Emerald Anakie State School Anakie State School Gindie Arcadia Valley State School Arcadia Valley Kilcummin State School Kilcummin Bauhinia State School Bauhinia Lochington State School Lochington Blackwater North State School Blackwater Mackenzie River State School Mackenzie River Blackwater State School Blackwater East State School Moranbah Bluff State School Bluff Moranbah State School Moranbah Capella State School Capella Orion State School Orion Clermont State School Clermont Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School Comet State School Comet Rolleston State School Rolleston Denison State School Emerald Springsure State School Springsure Dingo State School Dingo St Joseph's School Clermont State School Duaringa St Patrick's School Emerald Dysart State School Dysart State School Tieri Emerald Christian College Emerald Tresswell State School Nandowrie Emerald North State School Emerald

Central Highlands Secondary Schools Secondary School Location Secondary School Location Blackwater State High School Blackwater Emerald State High School Emerald Capella State High School Capella Marist College (Emerald) Emerald Clermont State High School Clermont Middlemount Community School Middlemount Dysart State High School Dysart Moranbah State High School Moranbah Emerald Christian College Emerald

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 5 of 6 5. PARTNER Organisations • Australian Sports Foundation: https://asf.org.au/ • Classic Wallabies: https://www.classicwallabies.com.au/ • Emerging Schools Foundation (ESF): https://esfrugby.com.au/ • Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) Foundation: https://asf.org.au/projects/queensland-rugby-union/ • QRU Rookies to Reds: https://www.rookies2reds.com.au/ • Rugby Skills Academy: http://rugbyskills.com.au/ • Sports Aus Sporting Schools: Get into Rugby: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/schools/schools/sports/rugby_union 6. BUDGET The total cost for Year 1 activities including in-kind from the CHJRU is $49,850 (GST inclusive). CHJRU are seeking to raise $31,200 (63%) cash contribution per annum from partners including both commercial businesses and grant funding. CHJRU are contributing $18,650 from a combination of membership income, funds raised through hosting and providing canteen services for events, and individual member contributions. 7. CHJRU MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CONTACTS 2020 Central Highlands Junior Rugby Union Association Inc.

Address: PO Box 877, Emerald Qld 4720

Email: [email protected]

President / Junior Competition Manager: Kurt Mayne 0429 844 508 / [email protected] Vice President / Teenage Competition Coordinator: Lincoln Job 0404 083 438 / [email protected] Secretary: Liz Alexander 0429 471 511 / [email protected] Treasurer: Emma Brotherton 0409 742 738 / [email protected] Media & Facebook: Rach McDowall 0407454404 / [email protected] Junior Coaches Coordinator: Doug Sands 0457 546 993 / [email protected] Rolleston Coordinator: Baden Crittle 0437 798 717 / [email protected] Bushrangers Coordinator: Mellissa Chick 0429 793 110 / [email protected]

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 6 of 6