Timely Funding Revives ‘Cabbo’ for 2024 Koori Knockout After 2022 Floods
The Cabbage Tree Island Rugby Club—known lovingly as ‘Cabbo’—has been the heart and soul of this Aboriginal community in the Northern Rivers of NSW for almost 100 years. This isn’t just a team; it’s a symbol of strength, pride, and self-determination for a community that has faced many challenges. But after the devastating floods of 2022, they were dealt a heavy blow and it affected every area of life, including their much-loved rugby league team.
The NSW Koori Rugby League Knockout is one of the largest Indigenous gatherings in Australia—a true celebration of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and unity. For over 50 years, this event has been a chance for the Cabbage Tree Island community to come together, share stories, and pass down wisdom from Elders to the next generation.
But after the floods displaced so many residents into temporary housing, ‘Cabbo’ was at risk of missing this year’s event. Their fundraising efforts had been wiped out, and without support, they simply weren’t able to participate.
Elizabeth Abegg, co-founder of Spell, and long-time supporter of Bunjum, along with her husband Johnny Abegg, launched a GoFundMe campaign featuring a video that shared the community’s story to address the urgent need for funding. The campaign was shared on Instagram, and one of our Yaru staff saw the story.
Clare said:
“I saw the GoFundMe campaign and knew we had to help. The 2022 floods in our region had a lasting impact, destroying communities like Cabbage Tree Island. We believe community and sporting groups play a crucial role in boosting morale and health. I spoke with a Yaru Foundation Director, and we instantly agreed this project would positively impact the players, community, and island residents.”
Tessa Martin, Yaru Foundation Director added:
“It was an easy decision. The funding fit The Yaru Foundation’s health outcomes criteria and supported a local community that has endured so much. Having seen what this community has been through, it meant a lot to us to be able to support the club so directly. Their goal was $11.5k, and we were thrilled to contribute $10,000, helping them surpass it, and getting them all to the Knockout.”
Des Anderson, Football Manager, CTIRLFC said:
“It’s been overwhelming the amount of support the football club has received. It really means a lot to all involved. To see the smiles on our players and community faces who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, gives me a sense of pride. Cabbage Tree Island means the world to us and the pride and passion the boys and girls play with is rewarding enough for me”.
Every donation including the sposorship from Yaru and Koala, has made a huge difference in restoring the club’s rightful place on the field and lifting the spirits of the entire Cabbage Tree Island community. The team head to the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Koori Knockout on October 4-7, 2024, at the Hereford St Sporting Fields in Bathurst. Over 140 teams, including men’s, women’s, and junior categories, will compete in this prestigious tournament.
