Girls Academy students graduate alongside Brisbane Broncos stars

18 young women have overcome difficult personal challenges to graduate high school in front of a few of their sporting idols. Here’s how they did it.

Justin Hodges, Janet Morofoa, and Ali Brigginshaw.

The Brisbane Broncos have inspired a new generation of Toowoomba school girls who have recently graduated year 12 under the Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy.

But these 18 young girls have inspired their own idols.

Rugby league stars Ali Brigginshaw and Justin Hodges hosted a graduation ceremony for the cohort of Indigenous girls who completed year 12 through the Academy.

Brigginshaw, the Broncos Premiership-winning captain and this year’s Dally M Female Player of the Year, said the graduates inspired her.

“Many of these girls faced challenges at home and in their personal lives that could have derailed their chances of completing school,” she said.

“But with determination and drive they stuck to it, and hopefully they will go on to have rewarding careers.”

Wilsonton State High School student Janet Morofoa delivered the valedictory address to her fellow students on Wednesday, and thanked the Girls Academy’s role in helping her find her voice.

Janet joined the program three years ago.

“I’ve learnt not to be afraid to speak up for what’s right, and not to be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed,” she said.

Beyond the Broncos graduates of 2020.

“The academy’s leadership camp allowed me to open up more and speak up more and be myself.”

The students who gathered at the Toowoomba event, sponsored by Arrow Energy, were just some of about 180 girls who completed their Year 12 studies as the Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy graduating class of 2020.

1,700 female students from Year 7 to 12 are currently enrolled in the Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy in 44 schools across Queensland and northern NSW.

The program has supported more than 4000 students since it was established in 2016.

General Manager of Community & Government Programs Christine Halliwell said helping students such as Janet succeed was a positive step in building better communities.

“I feel extremely proud of the young women who have graduated here tonight and to hear them confidently share their aspirations and next steps beyond the Broncos,” she said.

“The Beyond the Broncos program started the Girls Academy because it recognised the vital role that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women play in influencing the next generation.”

Ms Halliwell said the program would not have been possible without the support of the Federal Government, State Government and community partners such as Arrow Energy.

To find out more, visit broncos.com.au/community or email [e-mail].

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