The Academy provides mentoring support to female Indigenous students through a range of activities to help them complete their senior schooling and transition into further education or employment.

“This a great day for the Broncos as the new funding will allow us to further expand the work we are doing,” said Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White.

“The Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy program has grown to become a huge part of our identity as a club, and it really illustrates the commitment we have to our community on a daily basis.

“To have a permanent Broncos presence in so many schools, where we can have a positive impact on the lives of young Indigenous women, is something that goes to the very heart of the values of the Brisbane Broncos.”

The funding boost will see more than 1,000 additional female students at schools across South-West Queensland and Northern New South Wales supported through their studies.

Since 2016, the Academy has provided mentoring support focused on attendance, leadership, parent engagement and pathways to further education and employment with over 700 girls across 22 schools participating in the program last year.

“The Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy recognises the potential that young Indigenous students have to be role models and leaders for the next generation,” Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said.

The program is on track to have 1,300 students participating by the end of 2019.