Apunipima was proud to be one of the sponsors of the inaugural Grassroots All Blacks Rugby League Carnival at Kangaroos Football grounds held on the 17-19 July 2026, organised by Thurudwap INC.
Twelve teams from across Far North Queensland competed, with Wuthathi Brothers from Cape York crowned inaugural Cup winners after an action-packed grand final against Magun Warriors from Yam Island.
While football was the focus of the carnival, the event shone a spotlight on the importance of mental health and wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, encouraging conversations about health, resilience and personal strength.
The Men’s Support Team led the way, with Tackling Indigenous Smoking, Elder Care, and Strong Mob programs running activities and having a yarn with community about the services and support Apunipima has available.
Former rugby league stars Petero Civoniceva and Brenton Bowen joined the Apunipima team taking time to yarn with visitors about mental health and what being strong meant to them.
“What does strong look like to you?” Petero asked the group who didn’t hold back.
The heartfelt answers ranged from looking after family and community to making time for self-care.
“Being strong mentally, physically, emotionally and all the other facets of your life,” one man said.
“Good food, healthy food,” said another.
Petero also wanted to hear how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men looked after their mental health highlighting the importance of seeking help and supporting each other.
Top answers included having a yarn with your family or close friends and leaning on other community members who might be going through the same thing.
More than a sporting event, the carnival was a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms and that reaching out, having a yarn and supporting one another can make all the difference.
Header image source: Arthur Beetson Foundation.
