Murri Vs Koori Challenge Friday 12 February, 2.30–9.15pm Easts Carina Leagues Club, Creek Road, Carina More than 4,000 NRL fans are expected to celebrate Murri Rugby League at the 5th Annual NACCHO Deadly Choices Interstate (Murri vs Koori) Challenge this Friday 12 February at Easts Carina Leagues Club. Conducted by the Arthur Beetson Foundation, in collaboration with the National Rugby League (NRL), the Challenge will see the winners of the 2015 Arthur Beetson Murri Rugby League Carnival, the Southern Dingos from South East Queensland, play the 2015 Koori Knockout Champions, the Redfern All Blacks, for the title of National Indigenous Rugby League Champions. Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) CEO Adrian Carson said the Challenge plays an important role in engaging Indigenous communities on the importance of taking control of their health. Mr Carson said “The gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians can be attributed to preventable chronic disease, with smoking responsible for up to 20% of Indigenous deaths. “Unless our communities are encouraged and supported to stop smoking, to eat healthier food and exercise more we will not close the gap in Indigenous health. This is what the Institute and our partners are aiming to achieve with our Deadly Choices Campaign and program,” Mr Carson said. The event is alcohol, tobacco and sugar free, with the Institute and Aboriginal Medical Services from across Queensland and NSW, delivering a range of health promotion and screening activities at the Challenge. The Deadly Choices Community Day carnival kicks off at 2:30pm with family-friendly activities including traditional games, a jumping castle, rock climbing, big slide, touch football clinic, teacup ride and face painting. Western GuGu Yelangi songman Troy Brady will open the main game with his song ‘Black DNA’ and the 2016 NRL Indigenous All Stars Team will be presented with their jerseys on field by rugby league greats Steve Renouf and Uncle Lionel Morgan, the first Aboriginal to play rugby league for Australia, for Saturday’s All Stars Game at Suncorp Stadium. Supporting matches include the Touch Football Australia’s (TFA) All Stars Touch Game (TFA Indigenous All Stars v TFA Touch All Stars at 3:45pm) and the Gyemore Shield (Brisbane Natives v Cherbourg Hornets at 4:35pm). Ian Lacey, General Manager of Deadly Choices, said the presence of Deadly Choices Ambassadors will be a highlight of the event. “Deadly Choices Ambassadors including Steve Renouf, Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh, Scott Prince, Janice Blackman, Rhonda Dahlen and Brad Hore will be at the carnival to promoting the message that ‘A Deadly Choice is a Healthy Choice.’” “So come on down to say hello, play some games, and of course watch some great football.” The Arthur Beetson Foundation proudly presents the 2016 Deadly Choices Interstate Challenge, as part of the NRL Indigenous All Stars Festival of Rugby League, culminating in the NRL All Stars Game at Suncorp Stadium on 13 February 2016. The Interstate Challenge will be broadcast on National Indigenous Television (NITV) on 24 February 2016 at 7:30pm. Entry to the family-friendly drug, alcohol, tobacco and sugar-free event is free. Supporting organisations include: QAIHC Carina Leagues Club NACCHO South East Qld Indigenous Chamber ATSICHS of Commerce CQRAICCHO Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Dezigner Impression Health Service Benchmark Touch Football Australia Key Facts and Figures What: Arthur Beetson presents Murri vs Koori Interstate Challenge 2:30pm – Gates open, Deadly Choices Community Activities 4pm - Touch Football Australia - TFA Indigenous All Stars VS TFA All Stars 4.35pm – Gyemore Shield - Brisbane Natives VS Cherbourg Hornets 6.35pm – Naccho Deadly Choices Cup – Southern Dingoes vs Redfern Who: Rugby League great Steve Renouf and IUIH CEO Adrian Carson are available to discuss the Interstate Challenge and Deadly Choices messages Where: Easts Carina Leagues Club, Creek Road, Carina When: 2:30pm – 9:15pm Friday 12 February Media contact: Katrina Lewry 0401 542 667 .