Phins up! Dolphins boost kids self-esteem in Moranbah, Queensland

Hundreds of Moranbah school kids put their Phins up as the Dolphins brought their wellbeing team to Central Queensland schools.

From touch footy drills to classroom sessions aimed at boosting self-esteem, Dolphins wellbeing and education team members visited three schools as part of Anglo American’s partnership with the NRL team.

The partnership focuses on improving education and sporting outcomes in Central Queensland, and the sessions at Moranbah State School, Moranbah State High School and Moranbah East State School provided kids the chance to learn new skills and build teamwork opportunities.

Dolphins game development manager Shane Morris says the regional trip is an important part of how the club operated throughout Queensland.

“Central Queensland is so important to the Dolphins because a lot of great footballers, and a lot of great people, come from this area,” he said.

“We’re investing in Central Queensland to give the kids the opportunity in their own back yard, that others may have on the coast.”

It was part of a wider Anglo American-led tour across the Bowen Basin, which spanned three days, six schools and 400 students.

Anglo American training superintendent Damon McGuire says the company is proud of its partnership with the Dolphins.

“We very much align with their values and passion, especially when it comes to the development of young talent within the regions,” he said.

“We seek to employ a significant proportion of our workforce locally.

“We think investing in local young people through apprenticeships and other pathways is something that will return a huge benefit both to ourselves as a mine operator and to the local community.”

Anglo American’s partnership with the Dolphins NRL team focuses on improving education and sporting outcomes in the Central Queensland communities where the miner operates.

In the last week, the Dolphins engaged about 400 students at schools (200 in Moranbah and others in Clermont, Emerald and Capella), with students taught about the importance of self-believe and self-worth before taking part in tough footy drills to encourage teamwork and better communication.

Two community barbecues were held in Middlemount and Moranbah where more than 400 people had the opportunity to kick around with Dolphins staff.

The Dolphins also worked with club administration volunteers at Moranbah Miners and Middlemount Panthers to improve social media and sponsorship opportunities.