Souths Cares Gets Boost from Shadowboxer
Rabbitohs corporate partner Shadowboxer has thrown its support behind the Souths Cares program for 2008, by making an initial donation of over $2000 worth of products to the organisation this week.
Shadowboxer is hoping that the donation of the equipment will help kids get serious about health and fitness.
“Souths Cares is an initiative we’re proud to support,” Shadowboxer Founder and CEO Paul Todd said.
“It falls in line with what we believe in, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
“We’re really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the underprivileged and we’re hoping to encourage more kids to get out there, give it a go and make something of themselves.”
Souths Cares assists disadvantaged young people and their families, and focuses on Indigenous communities throughout Australia.
They do this by drawing on the rich heritage of the Rabbitohs and engaging current players in the delivery of programs that promote the benefits of education and healthy lifestyles.
Souths Cares was established by Peter Holmes à Court and Russell Crowe in 2006, with David Peachey joining the team as a Souths Cares Ambassador in 2007.
“We are really grateful to Todd and his team for supporting us in such a practical way,” South Cares Manager Simon Dirs said today.
“Shadowboxer will provide the kids in our programs with a fun and unique way of staying fit and healthy.
The portable nature of Shadowboxer also allows us to use it in regional and remote programs as well.
“We cant thank them enough.”
Rabbitohs join Tour de Cadel
Rabbitohs Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court and Souths Cares Ambassador David Peachey are gearing up to join internationally renowned cyclist Cadel Evans to raise money for the David Peachey Foundation.
The duo will join Evans, the runner-up in this year’s Tour de France and recipient of the Sydney Morning Herald Sports Performer of the Year Award during the week, in the ‘Tour de Cadel’ this Sunday December 2.
All the entry fees from this event dubbed “the ultimate bunch ride” will be donated to Souths Cares.
A cycling enthusiast Mr Holmes à Court has been clocking up laps of Centennial Park in readiness for the event.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, Cadel Evans is one of the best cyclists this country has ever produced,” he said.
“It’s for a good cause and I encourage as many people as possible to get out there on Sunday and enjoy the ride with us.”
The ride starts at 7am at St Leonards Park in North Sydney and will go across the Harbour Bridge and end in Centennial Park around 30 minutes later.
“Cadel has shown great generosity in donating the money to the David Peachey Foundation,” Peachey said.
“I am honoured and grateful. I’m not sure how I’m going to go up against Cadel on the day but I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.”
The ride is open to members of Cycling Australia who can enter online at www.cycling.org.au .
Papunya kids meet the Rabbitohs
A group of 11 school children from the remote community of Papunya visited Rabbitohs training at Erskineville Oval today, giving the kids a taste of professional sport in the big city of Sydney.
Papunya, a community in the central desert region of the Northern Territory, has a population of approximately 350 people and is situated around 240km north-west of Alice Springs.
The Rabbitohs along with Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court visited Papunya on the 2006 ARMTour, leading NASCA to bring 11 children from the community to a Rabbitohs training session in Erskineville.
Rabbitohs player and NASCA Board member Dean Widders showed the kids the ropes, taking them through a mini-training session involving balance balls, rowing machines, medicine balls and weights. The kids were then able to interact with the players and Mr Holmes à Court, passing and kicking the footballs around with their heroes from South Sydney.
“It was great to have the kids come here and show them what we do,” Widders said following their visit.
“They all had massive smiles on their faces and they all seemed to be having a good time.
“We gave all of the kids Rabbitohs caps and gave them memories they will have with them forever.”
The children from Papunya moved on from the Rabbitohs training session to visit the Sydney Aquarium on their tour of the harbour city.
Peachey to ride with Cadel Evans
Souths Cares Ambassador David Peachey will join Tour de France placegetter Cadel Evans on the Tour de Cadel on December 2 to raise money for the David Peachey Foundation.
The ‘ultimate bunch ride’ starts at 7am at St Leonards Park in North Sydney and will go across the Harbour Bridge to Centennial Park.
All of the entry fees from the Tour de Cadel will be donated to the David Peachey Foundation.
Peachey said he was looking forward to the ride.
“It will be an honour to be riding alongside one of the world’s best cyclists,” Peachey said.
“I’m humbled that Cadel selected the David Peachey Foundation to be one of the beneficiaries of this fantastic event.”
Peachey will be joined on the ride by a host of sports stars including players from the NRL and the Rabbitohs.
“I encourage as many people as possible to join us. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun and it’s not every day you get the chance to ride across the Harbour Bridge,” Peachey said.
The ride will be conducted under a rolling road closure supervised by the NSW Police and with the support of the RTA. The riders are expected in the finishing area in Centennial Park at around 7.30am.
Peachey wins Deadly award
September 28, 2007
Retiring Rabbitohs star David Peachey was last night honoured for his contribution to the Indigenous Community at the annual Deadlys Awards.
The rugby league legend, who will hang up his boots after Sunday’s premier league grand final, was presented with the Ella family lifetime achievement award by Gary Ella.
“It’s a great honour to receive something like this, an award that is well known throughout Australia,” Peachey said upon receipt of the award at the event held at the Sydney Opera House.
“But I’m only 33 my life’s not over yet. I’m going into a new period of my life starting this weekend with my last game of football with the mighty Bears. Then I’m really looking forward to the next phase of my life continuing to work with the community with Souths Cares.”
Peachey was also nominated for the rugby league player of the year award which was taken out by North Queensland Cowboys’ captain Johnathan Thurston.
The Deadlys are Australia's only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment and community awards.
Peachey was joined at the awards night by fellow Indigenous Rabbitohs players Yileen Gordon, Joe Williams and Germaine Paulson.
Rabbitohs leave for NASCA ARMTour
Rabbitohs star Dean Widders left today on the NASCA ARMTour with Souths Cares co-ordinator Simon Dirs for the Mutijulu community – the home of the custodians of Uluru.
Widders and Dirs will spend a week in the remote central desert community under the auspice of the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation Australia. This year there are 30 athletes from a wide-range of sports including Rugby League, AFL, rugby union, soccer, baseball and softball involved in the program.
The Rabbitohs representatives are joined by Essendon star Nathan Lovett-Murray, hockey player Kellie-Lee James and soccer representative Bridgette Starr in the Mutijulu community.
This is Widders’s fifth successive NASCA Aboriginal Role Model Tour.
“It is something I look forward to every year,” he said.
“Last year I had a great time in Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. It’s always a great experience and always a lot of fun. The kids are so happy and really appreciate you coming out there and I hope we’re teaching them a few things, sorting them out with some positive messages, encouraging them to study, play sport and stay healthy – all those kinds of things. It is a great opportunity to visit some of these places and spend time with the true Indigenous people of this country.”
The ARMTour is committed to building capacity in the lives of isolated Indigenous youth. This is accomplished by delivering ‘healthy lifestyle’ messages and serving as positive role models in remote communities.
Since 1997 ARMTour role models have reached more than 6,000 young people in 11 communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, East Arnhem Region and the Tiwi Islands.
ARMTour Role Models seek to convey four simple messages to remote Indigenous youth;
- Choose healthy foods and drinks to feel better and live longer
- Avoid harmful behaviours and substance abuse, in particular petrol sniffing, alcohol abuse and smoking
- Stay in school to gain a formal education and great opportunities
- Play sport to keep fit and have fun
Peachey keen to end on a high
A grand final win would be a more than fitting end to the glittering career of David Peachey and the rugby league legend gets that chance when the North Sydney Bears meet Parramatta in the premier league grand final this Sunday.
There are just 80 minutes left in Peachey’s 14-year career and the former NSW and Australia representative plans to make the most of it.
“It’s really exciting,” he said.
“This is what we have worked hard for since last October. It’s exciting to be playing finals football but to be 80 minutes away from a premiership is the ultimate.”
“We have worked so hard for this, everyone involved from the North Sydney admin and staff to the fans and South Sydney admin and staff and the supporters. The most exciting part is to be playing alongside the guys I have been training with all season. It’s been a great year, all three grades made the finals and this is our chance to finish it off in the best possible fashion.”
Peachey said the last six weeks have been a thoroughly enjoyable end to his time in rugby league.
“I haven’t really thought about this being the end,” he said.
“The last six weeks have been really exciting. I think back to when South Sydney first gave me an opportunity and now it has come to this, right from the bottom to the very top in the space of 18 months. I haven’t really had a chance to reflect, I think that will come around when football is all over and when I start work with Souths Cares. When I’m not doing pre-season training and I don’t have to run up the Wanda Sand Hills or do a beep test.”
Peachey said he said he hoped he has left a legacy that will benefit Souths in the seasons to come.
“I’m not emotional at the moment,” he said.
“I’m going to put all my emotion into this match. I’m really looking forward to it all, sitting in a dressing room for the last time, running out onto the ground for the last time … this is what we have worked for.
“It may be the end of my career, but it is a step forward for a lot of the young guys and it is exciting to be a part of that. I’m hoping I can pass on as much as my experience to them as possible. It will be a great experience for the young kids coming through and I hope they can learn from it and I hope they have learnt from me over the past 18 months. This is my last chance and I don’t want to leave anything out there, I don’t want to leave anything in the tank.”
Peachey on SBS's Living Black tonight
Tonight SBS TV’s Indigenous news and current affairs program Living Black profiles Rabbitohs legend and Deadly Award nominee David Peachey.
After recently announcing his intention to retire at the end of the season after a 14-year career in rugby league Peachey reflects on the highs and lows of his time in the game. He also looks ahead to his life after football working with the South Sydney Football Club’s community initiative Souths Cares.
Rabbitohs co-owner Peter Holmes à Court and Chief Executive Shane Richardson also talk about Peachey’s contribution to the game and to the Club.
“There in no doubt in my mind that part of our success this year has been because of David’s addition to the culture of the Club,” Holmes à Court said.
Peachey has been nominated for a Deadly Award for his Outstanding Achievement in Rugby League and the Community.
The Deadly Awards recognise excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment, the arts and community achievement. Nominees and award winners are chosen by public vote.
Souths Cares and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Announce Joint Initiative
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ community initiative Souths Cares is working in conjunction with the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations on a project to provide unemployed Indigenous Australians with the best possible opportunities to enter the work force.
South Sydney Football Club Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court and CEO Shane Richardson were today joined by Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, and Souths Cares Ambassador David Peachey in announcing $2 million in Commonwealth funding to provide work place opportunities for over 200 Indigenous Australians over the next three years. This community project is one of the largest government-funded initiatives in Rugby League outside of stadium grants.
Mr Holmes à Court said that this financial backing by the Federal Government allows Souths Cares to kick start the programs which it has been planning over the past 12 months.
“When we established Souths Cares we wanted to build a strong and ongoing relationship between the South Sydney Football Club and the community,” Mr Holmes à Court said. “We want to serve the community and to help those in need and this will go a long way towards doing that.”
Co-owner of the South Sydney Football Club, Mr Russell Crowe, says the community is the heart and soul of the Rabbitohs.
“We keep being shown that the community is at the heart of our success, and we want to make Souths the heart of our community,” Mr Crowe said.
Minister Hockey says: “The Australian Government is working towards full employment. What this means is that every Australian who wants a job can get a job. As the Minister for Jobs that is my most important goal. Australia’s unemployment rate is at a 33 year low but at the same time too many Indigenous Australians are missing out on this prosperity. Indigenous unemployment is still too high.
“Through partnerships, like the one we are establishing with the Rabbitohs and Souths Cares, the Australian Government hopes to provide every opportunity for Indigenous Australians to get a job, start a career, and build a sustainable future.
“The initial phase of the programme is a six-month scoping project to identify employment and training opportunities, as well as opportunities with the South Sydney Leagues Club and the Club’s corporate sponsors. This project is also part of a larger, whole-of-government education and employment programme being established with the Rabbitohs.
“It’s obvious the Rabbitohs have a serious commitment to working with disadvantaged young people and their families by directly engaging current players in the delivery of programmes across communities. This is admirable. The funding of up to $2 million will help to provide more than 200 jobs across NSW, with mentoring and skills development included, to Indigenous Australians. This will be a huge challenge for all involved but I’m more than confident in the Rabbitohs’ fighting spirit and positive leadership.”
Mr Richardson says the magnitude of this announcement should not be lost on anyone in the game of rugby league or in the community.
“This wonderful partnership is recognition of the tremendous work that South Cares has been doing over the last 12 months and of our ability to develop effective programs in Indigenous communities,” Mr Richardson said.
“Souths Cares is an integral part of the culture of our Club. We have been working hard to establish relationships with community and government groups in the areas of education, policing and transport and this is now the next step. Through our own infrastructure we are able to help create employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians and this partnership will now enhance our ability to reach out to those in need and over 200 jobs over the next three years. This is a fantastic challenge for us and we are looking very forward to it.”
David Gallop, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby Leagues says: “This substantial contribution reflects the outstanding work Souths Cares is doing in the indigenous community and also the positive impact Rugby League in general is having in our society through the game's numerous One Community initiatives.”
Rabbitohs Support Launch of Parenting DVD
The Rabbitohs and its community initiative Souths Cares were proud to support the launch of a comprehensive parenting resource DVD today, with Australia becoming the first country in the world to offer all new parents a DVD of this kind.
Rabbitohs attendees at today’s launch at the Museum of Contemporary Art included Peter Holmes à Court, David Kidwell and David Peachey.
Today, the Prime Minister announced additional Australian Government funding to ensure every new parent has access to this world-class resource effective immediately.
Launched today by the Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, the Raising Children DVD will be distributed to every family in Australia upon the birth of their child as part of the Australian Government’s New Parent Kit, starting later this year.
With the additional funding announced today, new parents will be able to order the Raising Children DVD, free of charge, from the Raising Children website at www.raisingchildren.tv starting today. Copies of the DVD will be available from the Rabbitohs merchandise shop free of charge.
The Raising Children DVD is a comprehensive guide to parenting children from birth to five, covering all the basics about child health, development and care, as well as information about family management and available resources.
“The DVD content is of extremely high quality, having been developed in collaboration between a range of professionals and parents,” said Professor Lesley Barclay, the foundation Professor of Health Services Development at Charles Darwin University, and one of the expert reviewers of the DVD.
“Content has been adapted from the comprehensive Raising Children Network (RCN) website and is presented by and for parents. Content was reviewed by two independent experts from a panel around the country and the DVD was further reviewed at key stages by a separate panel of experts,” Professor Barclay added.
Executive producer, Divonne Holmes à Court, said the DVD was produced as a companion to the Raising Children website, to extend the reach of this high quality, expert approved content to more parents in Australia. “Since its launch in May 2006, the website has surpassed expectations. It is the definitive online source of practical and reliable parenting information in Australia.
Raising Children Network is a consortium of the Smart Population Foundation, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Parenting Research Centre. A founding member, Smart Population Foundation is a non-profit Australian Charitable Institution included on the Harm Prevention Charities Register ABN 61 102 646 079
“The Raising Children DVD brings the best quality-assured parenting information to more families in an even more engaging format. New parents crave reliable information that they can access in their own time, at their own pace. This DVD can give parents the confidence they need in the first weeks, months and years of their child’s life.”
The comprehensive, interactive parenting DVD features five hours of content in user-friendly segments. Innovative design and digital architecture enable viewers to navigate easily and watch as much or as little as they want. Divided into three short movies, Newborn, Baby and Child and a section called What About Me?, the DVD allows viewers to select more in-depth information, demonstrations and parent stories when they choose.
Filmed in an observational, documentary style, the DVD was a year in the making after five years in development. “It represents the collaborative efforts of hundreds of parents and experts from around Australia who have generously donated their time to help create a resource which is uniquely engaging and informative,” Ms Holmes à Court said.
It includes stories, demonstrations and strategies from a wide cross section of Australian parents, experts and celebrities including: Johanna Griggs, Phil Kearns, Hazem and Arwa El Masri, Bill Granger, Jana (Pittman) Rawlinson, James Hird, Neil Perry, Lote and Rebekka Tuqiri, Anthony Mundine, Dr Cindy Pan, Peter FitzSimons, Lisa Forrest, Paul Clitheroe, Colin Lane, Danielle Spencer and Russell Crowe.
Deborra-lee Furness narrates the program and Dave Hughes helps navigate the DVD content.
The DVD was funded by the Australian Government through the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy as well as generous grants from the Caledonia Foundation, Peter and Divonne Holmes à Court, the Falconwood Foundation, JS Love Trust—Perpetual Trustees and others.
Ian Darling, chairman of the Caledonia Foundation was “extremely proud to support the production of the DVD as it is evidence of how philanthropic organisations can work in partnership with Government to most efficiently help Australian families.”
Sydney Buses go red and green
The Rabbitohs and Sydney Buses have unveiled two buses decked out in South Sydney’s distinctive red and green colours that will run routes throughout the district.
It is the second joint community project between the Rabbitohs, the club’s charity arm Souths Cares and Sydney Buses. Two themed buses painted by local school children and emblazoned with Souths Cares logos are already running routes in the South Sydney area.
“This is part of an ongoing program between Souths Cares, Sydney Buses and it is another important step forward,” Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said.
“We look forward to continuing and strengthening this partnership.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins said: “Sydney Buses is happy to have the support of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a sporting team that is held in high regard by the local community with many players serving as exceptional role models for young people.
“The slogan on the side of these buses – ‘be smart, stay clean, live the dream’- is an excellent motto for young people to achieve their goals in life.”
The State Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally said it was a very worthwhile project.
“This is a wonderful initiative all about taking a football club and working with the community to provide role models for people growing up in the South Sydney area,” she said.
“I know my children can’t wait to ride the buses the only problem I have is that they might not want to ride any other buses.”
Souths Cares Event a Success
By James MacSmith
19 July, 2007
MORE than $150,000 was raised at the inaugural Souths Cares fundraising event last night.
Hosted by Indigenous Rabbitohs star Dean Widders, the event was sold out two weeks in advance with more than 400 guests attending the Grand Ballroom at Luna Park, Sydney.
In keeping with the ideals of Souths Cares the night had a strong Indigenous theme from the food served through to the entertainment on show. Indigenous sports stars including world boxing champion Anthony Mundine, his father and trainer Australian boxing legend Tony Mundine, former Wallaby Gary Ella and the Rabbitohs own David Peachey took part in an all-stars sports panel that provided many of the highlights of the evening.
Singer Christine Anu put on a special guest performance while many were astounded by the talent of 12-year-old Indigenous entertainer Allara Laferia from Mt Druitt.
While the auction items on offer, tickets to the private match day box of Rabbitohs co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court, a lunch with the 5 Cs of the Rabbitohs; Rabbitohs co-captains Peter Cusack and Roy Asotasi, Coach Jason Taylor, Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court and Chief Executive Shane Richardson, and two people to join Peter Holmes à Court and Rabbitohs players on the five-day NASCA ARM Tour to the Australian Outback on October, were the subject of fierce bidding.
“The evening was an unqualified success,” South Sydney Rabbitohs Chief Executive Shane Richardson said.
“We managed to raise a wonderful amount of money to help fund our Souths Cares programs and I want to thank everyone who was there on the night to help us achieve that level of success. Special thanks must go to Anthony and Tony Mundine, Gary Ella and Christine Anu for putting on a great show, one that I am sure everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed.
“South Cares was established by the South Sydney Football Club to help those in need in the South Sydney district and in the wider community and this is a step along that path. Following the success of the night I’m sure next year’s event will be even bigger and better.”
The night was held to raise funds for Souths Cares community development and outreach programs.
Souths Cares is the community initiative and charitable arm of the South Sydney Rabbitohs It was established to assist disadvantaged young people and their families in the South Sydney area and Indigenous communities throughout Australia. Souths Cares does this by promoting the benefits of education, and healthy lifestyles through a wide-range of direct support programs and partnerships with established service providers, Government and the corporate sector.
Souths Cares’ projects also offer a genuine career path for Rabbitohs players should they wish to pursue a role in sustainable community development.
Souths Cares - A Fundraising Event
Souths Cares, the community initiative and charity arm of the South Sydney Football Club, will hold its inaugural Souths Cares – A Fundraising Event tonight at the Grand Ballroom at Luna Park, Sydney from 7pm.
The event will be hosted by indigenous Rabbitohs players Dean Widders and Beau Champion and will feature some of Australia’s greatest ever indigenous sports stars including world boxing champion Anthony Mundine, former Wallaby Gary Ella and the Rabbitohs own David Peachey. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be renowned broadcaster, Rugby League player and Cricketer Graeme Hughes.
“At a time of unprecedented economic prosperity for many Australians there are still those who live in the so-called ‘Lucky Country’ that are missing out on the most basic of life’s provisions,” Rabbitohs Chief Executive Shane Richardson said.
“Now, more than at any stage in our nation’s history, it is time to facilitate sustainable change in indigenous communities. Since 1908 the South Sydney Rabbitohs have been an integral part of the community and Souths Cares has been established by the Club to provide health and educational assistance for disadvantaged children and their families in rural areas and locally in the South Sydney district.
“This is done by promoting the benefits of education and healthy lifestyles through a wide-range of direct support programs and partnerships with established service providers, government and the corporate sector.
“Our projects also offer a genuine career path for Rabbitohs players should they wish to pursue a role in sustainable community development. At the end of this season David Peachey will be working with the Souths Cares team, helping to facilitate programs around the South Sydney area and in the broader community.”
Souths Cares – An Extraordinary Fundraising Event will feature an exciting line-up of indigenous talent including a special appearance by singer Christine Anu. The event was sold out two weeks ago with 400 guests set to attend the gala evening.
The night is being held to raise funds for Souths Cares community development and outreach programs.
Three very special auction items will be available, all of which are one-off experiences:
- Lunch for four people with the 5 C’s of the South Sydney Rabbitohs: Rabbitohs co-captains Peter Cusack and Roy Asotasi, Coach Jason Taylor, Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court and Chief Executive Shane Richardson.
- Four tickets into the private suite of Rabbitohs co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court for the Rabbitohs’ round 23 game against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Monday 20 August at Telstra Stadium, kicking off at 7pm.
- Two people to join Peter Holmes à Court and Rabbitohs players on the five-day NASCA ARM Tour to the Australian Outback on October 8-12, 2007. This tour of remote Aboriginal communities of the central desert area of the Northern Territory with a team of elite athletes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Souths Cares bus painting
July 12, 2007
CHILDREN from the South Sydney district have been busy painting designs on State Transit buses this week as part of a Souths Cares initiative with local community groups and government agencies.
The initiative aims to connect young people to their community and hundreds of children submitted their designs for two Sydney buses, one with an indigenous theme and one with a beach theme.
The buses are being painted under the supervision of qualified artists and representatives from the organising groups.
The buses will be completed this week and will run on a daily basis on the Maroubra/La Perouse route.
Souths Cares manager Simon Dirs said the project had been a big success.
“This is all about connecting kids to their communities and forming friendships with government agencies,” Dirs said.
”It’s been a lot of fun and it’s come along better than we had hoped.”
The project is an initiative of Souths Cares, PCYC, La Perouse Youth Haven, Shack Youth Services Maroubra, Sydney Buses, LaPa Bummers, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Randwick City Council and the Department of Housing.
David Peachey Retires from Playing Rugby League - Joins Souths Cares Next Season
“Since joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs last year, he has provided direction for the younger players in the club and demonstrated that he had not lost his attacking flair or defensive toughness. He is a truly dedicated and committed player. I would also like to commend David for his valuable work with indigenous youth in the wider community and through the David Peachey Foundation. Along with all Australian rugby league supporters, Janette and I wish you well for the future.” – Mr John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia
“David Peachey was always a player who delivered value for money to spectators. He could be exhilarating, frustrating and dazzling and the game might only be 15 minutes old. What you were always guaranteed, was a passionate player who was giving it his all, and doing everything humanly possible to break open the game for his team.” – Mr Steve Waugh, former Australian Cricket Captain
Legendary fullback David Peachey has announced that he will retire from the game of Rugby League at the end of the 2007 season today.
‘The Peach’ is a highly regarded member of the Rugby League community and is renowned as one of the best exponents of the fullback position to have played the game. Peachey has been decorated for his work in indigenous communities away from the field of play and is seen as a community leader as well as an elite sportsman.
Peachey, 33, has played over 250 NRL games for the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs, is the most capped indigenous player currently playing, and has scored nearly 500 points in first grade. He has been an influence on countless numbers of players throughout his 14-year career.
The Dubbo Macquarie junior was named Dally M Fullback of the Year in 1999, the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Player of the Year in 1997, 1999 and 2001, was named in the Sharks 40th anniversary team at fullback, won a Deadly Award in 2002 when he was named the Aboriginal Sportsman of the Year, and won the NAIDOC Award for Sportsperson of the Year in 2003.
Peachey represented Australia in one Super League Test in 1997, he represented NSW four times in 1997 and 2003, and played for Country Origin in 2003.
Peachey’s achievements off the field have been broadly acclaimed, winning the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal for community service in 2003 and being named as one of the NSW Finalists for the Australian of the Year Award in 2005.
Peachey is the founder of the David Peachey Foundation and works closely with the aboriginal community through organisations such as the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation of Australia (NASCA) and Croc Fest. Peachey also conducts the David Peachey Cup alongside the Russell Richardson Shield, a primary school Rugby League knockout competition, each year in his home town of Dubbo.
Peachey will not be lost to the game of Rugby League, moving into administration with Souths Cares as the Club’s Indigenous Co-ordinator and also into a role with the Club’s corporate team.
“Peach is an inspiration, simple as that,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
“I remember when Peach first came to Sydney as an 18-year-old to the Sharks and he made an instant impact at the Club.
“It has been the same here at South Sydney. His play on the field and his work off the field is a testament to the man he has become and the family which surrounds him.
“I’ve seen Peach grow from a boy to a man over the past decade-and-a-half and the respect he commands in the community today is just reward for the work he has put into Rugby League and indigenous communities alike.
“I’m now looking forward to watching Peach finish his career in style this season, and then working with him in the administration side of the Club next year. His role will be to work with our indigenous players, help develop our aboriginal community programmes through Souths Cares, and to work with our corporate partnerships team on game day speaking with sponsors and clients and helping them get the most out of their sponsorship dollars with the Club.”
Peachey says that he is extremely grateful for the opportunities his career has provided.
“Rugby League has given me everything,” Peachey said.
“From my time as a junior in Dubbo, to Richo (Shane Richardson) bringing me to Sydney to start my career, to finishing here at the Rabbitohs, Rugby League means the world to me.
“I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country and state, play over 250 games at the top level and to have met many wonderful people over the past 14 years.
“I’ve tried to give as much back to the game and the community as it has given me, and now that I move into the next stage of my career I want to keep giving back through Souths Cares and the David Peachey Foundation.”
Peachey says his family has been instrumental in his success.
“My uncles Marshall, Martin and Michael Peachey have helped me enormously in my career, they have been the biggest influence,” Peachey said.
“Hopefully I’ve had an influence on some young players throughout my career the way they have influenced me.”
Upon his retirement Peachey will continue to be heavily involved with the Rabbitohs and the game of Rugby League. He will take on the position of Souths Cares ambassador with the Club’s community initiative Souths Cares.
Souths Cares Manager Simon Dirs already works closely with Peachey due to the community partnership between Souths Cares and the David Peachey Foundation and said he was delighted to be strengthening that relationship.
“David will be our ambassador and will co-ordinate all of our indigenous programmes,” Dirs said.
“He will be heavily involved in all aspects of Souths Cares from existing programmes through to the development and implementation of new ones. His involvement in Souths Cares will be very much a daily, hands-on one that will include regular visits to school and community organisations, motivational speaking to students and mentoring young indigenous players at the Club.”
Souths Cares programmes include working with a number of government agencies such as NSW Police and DOCS to provide intensive education and social pathways for disadvantaged children, players mentoring children with troubled backgrounds, a bus painting project in Marourbra and La Perouse and sports based programmes aimed at teaching children the importance of education and health and the dangers of substance abuse.
In October Peachey will take part in the Referendum Bike Ride with former Olympian Nova Peris.
Notable Quotes about David Peachey
“Peach is an inspiration, simple as that. His play on the field and his work off the field is a testament to the man he has become and the family which surrounds him.” – Mr Shane Richardson, Chief Executive Officer South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“The effect David Peachey has had on the younger players at our Club has been quite phenomenal. He is a calming influence, a rock they can go to, and someone that they respect. I’ve enjoyed playing against and coaching David and I’m glad he will continue to have a role with the Club next season.” – Mr Jason Taylor, Head Coach South Sydney Rabbitohs
“The community work that I do has all been inspired by David Peachey. He was the one that started all of that for indigenous people and I’ve tried to follow in his footsteps. He’s achieved a lot for a skinny boy from Dubbo and he’s been an inspiration for countless indigenous kids right across the country.” – Mr Dean Widders, South Sydney Rabbitohs player and aboriginal role model
“I would like to wish David all the very best in his retirement from rugby league at the end of this season. Since his debut in 1994, David has had a long and distinguished career playing over 250 first grade games, representing Australia in a Super League test match and NSW in State of Origin and the Super League. David is second only to Andrew Ettingshausen in the number of first grade games with the Cronulla Sharks. Since joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs last year, he has provided direction for the younger players in the club and demonstrated that he had not lost his attacking flair or defensive toughness. He is a truly dedicated and committed player. I would also like to commend David for his valuable work with indigenous youth in the wider community and through the David Peachey Foundation. Along with all Australian rugby league supporters, Janette and I wish you well for the future.” – Mr John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia
“David Peachey is one of those inspirational players that stand out in any era not just for his incredible skill and natural flair but for his commitment to the community. Seeing him end his playing career is certainly a little sad but knowing he has inspired thousands of youngsters and that he continues to do so is great compensation for Rugby League fans.” – Mr David Gallop, Chief Executive Officer National Rugby League
“David Peachey was always a player who delivered value for money to spectators. He could be exhilarating, frustrating and dazzling and the game might only be 15 minutes old. What you were always guaranteed, was a passionate player who was giving it his all, and doing everything humanly possible to break open the game for his team. I’ve admired his loyalty and longevity and sensed he was a father figure to many of his team mates. Perhaps his greatest legacy to the game will come via his own Foundation that aims to unearth the next generation of indigenous kids from outback and rural Australia. May you continue to instill the love of the game to the many kids with similar dreams and aspirations that you once had.” – Mr Steve Waugh, former Australian Cricket Captain
“David Peachey stands as an icon within both the sport of Rugby League and the Aboriginal community. His achievements on the field in his career over the past 14 years will stand the test of time. David brought to the game flair, flamboyance, passion and commitment. These attributes were also displayed in his long standing commitment to Aboriginal people and children across the state. David can be judged as possibly the role model of role models for Aboriginal children, particularly those from his beloved Dubbo in Western NSW. He has lived the message of “Be Smart, Stay Clean, Live the Dream” which he now uses as a creed for Aboriginal children. David has consistently delivered to Aboriginal people, often at his own expense, engaging in a raft of programs, in the main without fuss or fanfare. His willingness to assist a worthy cause is well documented and respected amongst Aboriginal people. David has been an outstanding player achieving the highest accolades the game has to offer, his achievement and influences off the field within Aboriginal communities go beyond those game based achievements. As his playing career draws to a close within the NRL, a new door opens for David. He is a true Ambassador of the game of Rugby League and Aboriginal people. David has shown what is possible when you follow your dream.” – Mr Paul Conlon, General Manager National Aboriginal Sports Corporation of Australia
“My greatest memories of ‘Peach’ are a try he scored in the semi final against the Broncos in ’96 at Aussie Stadium. We had a set play where ‘Peach’ chimed into the backline and then offloaded to ET, but the defence stuck to ET and Mat Rogers who was on the wing had missed the kick. ‘Peach’ headed back in field and had enough pace to beat all of the cover defence to score. It was an amazing try. My other memory is in ’99 when we won the minor premiership and my assistant coach put together a highlights video of all of our good tries throughout the season. We watched it on the bus on our way out to Telstra Stadium for a training session before the semi final and all the guys said ‘Is this the David Peachey show?’ We knew he’d had a good year but the number of tries he was involved in was quite phenomenal.” – Mr John Lang, David Peachey’s original first grade coach at the Sharks
“He’s one of those bigger than life sort of characters, someone that’s always got a smile on his face and that’s what I’ve always loved about ‘The Peach’. Whenever you see him he’s always got the big grin from ear to ear, he gives you the big high five and you really feel welcome and I think that he’s been able to personify that in everything he’s done. From little kids all the way through, everyone loves ‘The Peach’.” – Mr Andrew Ettingshausen – Sharks teammate 1994-2000
David Peachey Biography
Name: David Charles Peachey
DOB: 21 January, 1974
Birthplace: Dubbo, NSW
Junior Club: Dubbo Macquarie
Position: Fullback
Height: 190cm
Weight: 90kg
NRL Games: 255 (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 232; South Sydney Rabbitohs 23)
NRL Points: 468 from 117 tries
Representative honours:
One Super League Test for Australia 1997
Three Tri-series matches for NSW 1997
One State of Origin match for NSW 2000
One match for Country Origin 2003
Clubs:
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 1994-2005
Widnes Vikings 2006
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2006-2007
First Grade Debut: Cronulla vs Canberra at Caltex Field, 12 March 1994 – Round 1
Awards:
Dally M Fullback of the Year in 1999
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Player of the Year in 1997, 1999 and 2001
Sharks 40th anniversary team at fullback
Deadly Awards Aboriginal Sportsman of the Year 2002
NAIDOC Awards Sportsperson of the Year 2003
Ken Stephen Medal 2003
NSW Finalist Australian of the Year Award 2005
Community Work:
Founder of the David Peachey Foundation
National Aboriginal Sports Corporation of Australia (NASCA)
Croc Fest
David Peachey Cup primary school knockout competition in Dubbo
“I’ve got no regrets, I’ve enjoyed the whole rollercoaster ride.”
With that comment Rugby League legend David Peachey concluded his retirement press conference at NRL headquarters in Moore Park.
On an emotional afternoon with all the leading media organisations in Australia present Peachey, flanked by Rabbitohs co-owner Peter Holmes à Court and Chief Executive Shane Richardson Peachey spoke of the joys of his career and his hopes for the future, his future and the future of his people.
“I’m really enjoying myself here at Souths,” he said.
“But this is about going out on the right note, it is the right time to leave the NRL. I will still be playing football and one day I hope to play with my son, but I’m leaving the top level behind hopefully with a win on grand final day. I feel as thought this can be a fairytale finish. Things are going well and if you make the top eight it is a new competition. We are there abouts at the moment and this is just my individual goal but I think we can win it. It has been a goal of mine ever since I started and I would love to go out like that. I want to be there in October holding that shield.”
Peachey will continue his tireless work in Aboriginal communities at the end of his career.
“I’m a proud Aboriginal man and I want to help my people,” he said.
“This is the end of football for me, but it will be the continuation of what I have been doing, this is the next chapter in my life, the next step. Education and health are the priorities. There are going to be a number of ongoing programs that I am looking forward to playing a bit part in.”
A number of leading Indigenous figures attended the press conference including former Australian light heavyweight champion and former world title contender Glenn Kelly, the Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Housing Company Mick Mundine, Chairman of Babana Men’s Group Mark Spinks, Operations Manager of the Tribal Warriors Association Shane Phillips, former Souths great, Rabbitohs life member and grandfather of Souths winger Nathan Merritt Eric Robinson and Brad Cooke CEO of Koori Radio.
Souths Cares manager Simon Dirs was representing the Souths