Empowering Students Through Wellbeing: The Rabbitohs Program in Action
The Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program is a proactive response to the growing health concerns facing Australian children. National data shows that only 1 in 4 children aged 5–14 meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day, while screen time and poor nutrition continue to rise. These trends are contributing to long-term physical and mental health risks. The Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program, delivered by Souths Cares, addresses these challenges head-on by providing fun, engaging, and practical wellbeing education to primary and high school students.
Each session is carefully designed to align with national health and education priorities and includes key focus areas like physical activity, healthy eating, mental wellbeing, and social connection. Content is tailored to each age group and delivered in an interactive format, using relatable health messaging through a student lens. Importantly, sessions are broken up with “brain breaks”—short, movement-based activities that help students reset, move their bodies, and improve focus for the next topic.
A unique strength of the program is the inclusion of Rabbitohs players and ambassadors. Their involvement brings authenticity and excitement to the sessions. Hearing firsthand how elite athletes look after their health adds real-world credibility and inspires students to adopt similar habits.
Jessica Khoury - Community Partnership Officer, Liverpool Boys High School"Students from Years 7–12 were excited to meet the players and learn that their health habits weren’t so different. Hearing wellbeing messages from their idols made it truly resonate. Many of our students come from backgrounds where opportunities like this are rare, making exposure to the community and activities they’re passionate about, like the NRL, incredibly valuable’’.
Student voice is central to the program’s ongoing development. Their feedback informs what topics matter most, how content is delivered, and how the program can continue to meet their needs. This responsiveness ensures that the program stays current, relevant, and impactful.
By equipping young people with practical tools and positive role models, the Rabbitohs Wellbeing Program empowers students to build healthy habits early—setting them up for a healthier, more connected future both in and outside the classroom. It’s more than a workshop—it’s an investment in the wellbeing of the next generation.
To find out more about the Rabbitohs Health and Wellbeing Programs, please contact Erin Geddes, Health and Wellbeing Programs Coordinator [email protected] .
