On 8 March 2017, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Nigel Scullion officially opened the NRL Cowboys House in Townsville along with the Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works, the Hon Mick de Brenni. The facility will house and care for up to 50 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys from remote communities across North Queensland to access a range of education, training and employment opportunities.

25 young men, aged between 12 and 16, have already settled into the House, built on land near Pimlico TAFE College. The Commonwealth Government has contributed $9.5 million to the construction of the facility managed in partnership with Queensland Government under the Remote Housing Strategy.

The Cowboys Community Foundation is managing the day to day operations with the support of the North Queensland Cowboys and the National Rugby League. Together they will help the young men develop strong leadership capabilities and connections to culture.

League Stars and House Ambassadors Matthew Bowen and Jonathan Thurston will act as mentors.

View the media release here.