The Rabbitohs Wellbeing Team recently completed a highly impactful regional tour of the Central Coast, delivering a series of engaging school and community visits aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of young people.
Across four days, the team visited nine schools and connected with more than 2,500 students through their evidence-based workshops. Students participated in the Your Health: OWN IT program, which focuses on the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and quality sleep in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Alongside this, the Your Online Footprint workshop provided practical education around staying safe online, understanding digital responsibility, and building positive habits in an increasingly connected world.
A key feature of the tour was the involvement of several Rabbitohs NRL and pathways players, including Isaiah Tass, Jonah Glover, Dayne Jennings and Taj Alvarez. Their presence added a powerful layer to the sessions, helping to reinforce key messages in a way that resonated strongly with students. By sharing their own experiences and leading by example, the players played an important role in encouraging students to make positive choices both on and off the field. The Rabbitohs Wellbeing Team was also joined by the NRL Game Development team on the Coast, who delivered mini skills clinics at each school. These sessions provided students with the opportunity to develop their rugby league skills in a fun, inclusive environment, complementing the educational workshops with hands-on physical activity.
Erin Geddes Health and Wellbeing Programs Coordinator Souths Cares.“Regional visits like these help bridge the gap in access to quality health education for young people. By connecting with communities, we can share practical knowledge around nutrition, movement, sleep and online safety while encouraging students to stay active and engaged in sport. Having our players involved — particularly those from regional areas — reinforces that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’, helping young people believe in what’s possible for their future.”
A highlight of the tour was the incredible enthusiasm shown by participating schools, with many students and staff embracing the opportunity to celebrate Alex Johnston and his historic new all-time NRL try scoring record. Classrooms and school grounds were filled with handmade posters and messages of support, creating a vibrant and positive atmosphere that reflected the strong connection between the Rabbitohs and the community.
Jeana Trasler – Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction, Chertsey Primary School“We can’t thank the Rabbitohs Wellbeing team enough, this visit truly meant a lot to our students and community. The presentations were exceptional, and pitched at the right level for our students. Thanks again, you guys are doing phenomenal job in the community.”
The tour concluded with a meaningful visit to the paediatric ward at Gosford Hospital, where the Rabbitohs Wellbeing Team spent time with young patients and their families. Taking a moment to share smiles, conversation, and a few special surprises, the visit was a reminder of the importance of community connection beyond the classroom.
The Central Coast regional tour highlights the ongoing commitment of the Rabbitohs Wellbeing Team to deliver impactful, community-focused programs that support young people to lead healthier, more confident lives. By combining education, engagement, and genuine connection, the team continues to make a positive difference both on and off the field.
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