Hockey brings community together for reconciliation in Cairns

On a cool June evening in Cairns, hockey became much more than a game.

With support from a Celebrating Reconciliation Grant, Aspire Community partnered with Cairns Hockey and many other local organisations, First Nations businesses, mentors and sporting volunteers to deliver the Rene Archer Indigenous Round. The event brought together more than 300 locals from the hockey community to celebrate culture, connection and reconciliation through sport.

Named in honour of celebrated Indigenous junior hockey administrator, coach, player and volunteer, Rene Archer, the event created opportunities for players, families and community members to learn about and celebrate First Nations cultures in a welcoming sporting environment. Traditional cultural elements were woven throughout the day, including Welcome to Country protocols, Traditional Indigenous Games and cultural education activities designed to build understanding and respect.

What began as a sporting event evolved into a community-led celebration of reconciliation. Through strong partnerships with organisations including Our Future Mentors, Harbrow Mentoring and Cairns Hockey, the event placed a particular focus on supporting young people, especially young women and girls, to connect with culture, leadership and community.

The grant funding supported the delivery of a Traditional Indigenous Games workshop, while additional financial and in-kind contributions from Aspire Community and Cairns Hockey helped expand the event's reach and impact.

Importantly, the project also invested in local First Nations businesses and professionals, engaging Indigenous-led organisations to support cultural protocols, mentoring, promotion and event delivery.

According to organisers, the event created meaningful opportunities for people to come together and build strong relationships.

Julie McNeil, CEO of Aspire Community Field2Future, said the grants help community-led organisations strengthen and expand impact on the ground.

“We see every dollar secured through grants as an opportunity to increase direct community engagement, create meaningful participation opportunities, and sustain outcomes that continue long after a project has concluded,” she said.

"These opportunities allow us not only to deliver programs, but also to build local capacity, develop leadership, strengthen community connections and create pathways that support positive futures for children, young people and families."

The Cairns Hockey Rene Archer Indigenous Round is a powerful example of how local events can use sport as a platform for reconciliation, creating spaces where communities can learn from one another, celebrate culture, and strengthen connections that continue well beyond the final whistle.

More information

Celebrating Reconciliation Grants support communities across Queensland to deliver local initiatives that foster understanding, respect and stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Grants are now open until 18 December 2026.

See www.qld.gov.au/recgrants for full details.