The nib Newcastle Knights are proud to announce the Cultural Choice Association as their Charity of the Month for July, highlighting the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous youth and mental health initiatives.
Founded by the Watson family, including ex-Knight Connor, the Cultural Choice Association (CCA) was established in response to a personal family tragedy.
Their mission is to raise awareness and support the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide through education, employment, and wellbeing programs.
Through the state-wide ClubGRANTS program — a partnership between ClubsNSW and the NSW Government, the program was a beneficiary of a $20,000 ClubGRANTs donation through the Wests Group and Newcastle Knights.
This donation proudly supports the Boots for Brighter Futures (BFBF) program, helping to create a brighter future for Indigenous youth while supporting students in Newcastle schools, sports camps, hostels, and the community. This funding was made possible through the support of your local club and the NSW Government.
Designed for Aboriginal young people aged 14-18, BFBF offers six structured sessions covering suicide awareness, self-care, resilience, Elder-led education, and art.
The program is facilitated by trained young Aboriginal leaders and has shown success in improving student behaviour, attendance, and engagement.
As part of BFBF, students paint NRL players' boots for the Indigenous Round, promoting cultural pride and awareness. These unique boots are later auctioned to raise funds for CCA’s programs.
The Knights and Wests Group's contribution will fund facilitators, Elders, and program materials, helping to create a brighter future for Indigenous youth.
The Knights' partnership with CCA underscores the club's dedication to community engagement and social responsibility. By supporting organisations like the Cultural Choice Association, the Knights aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Indigenous youth in Newcastle and beyond.
