Bradley Beetson
“United on and off the field”
Proud Gubbi/Gubbi, Wiradjuri man
Community Engagement and Social Emotional Wellbeing Officer, North Coast Indigenous Health.
As a proud Indigenous man and someone who has a long history in sport on the Sunshine Coast. I understand first-hand the power of sport in battling racism in today’s society. Rugby league in particular has played a major part in closing the gap in many facets of society today. Indigenous peoples love of rugby league is evident with the Indigenous population being 3% of Australians but makes up over 20% of all rugby league players. It is a game we have excelled at with our natural athletic abilities helping us rise to the highest echelons of the game. As Australians we love sport in general and I feel our abilities and the Indigenous role models the game has created has helped us as a people integrate into everyday society.
Why did you become a patron for this campaign?
Though in my role in community engagement and welfare, I continually come across young and old Indigenous Australians that are still targeted by the stigma of racism.
I am passionate about truth telling to all Australians about the true historic journey of Indigenous Australians and the pain we carry as a people that has been dispersed through the country and through the stolen generation. I think education through schools with not only of truth telling of Indigenous peoples journey, but also sharing our beautiful culture with all Australia will help bring us closer together as a nation.
Racism is a learnt behaviour, and as an Indigenous man I am very proud to be asked to help stand up against this ugly part of our society and shine a light, hopefully leading us out of the dark to a world where racism is no longer part of our society on the Sunshine Coast.
Current memberships
- Maroochydore Justice Group Elder
- Indigenous Advisory Committee Queensland Rugby League
- Founding member Arthur Beetson Foundation
- Queensland Murri Carnival Director
- President Sunshine Coast Bunyas Rugby League Club
- Board member Nambour Crushers