Sporting heroes used to adulation for their football skills are aiming to make an impact as career advisers to Indigenous students at the Learn Earn Legend! Indigenous All Stars Youth Summit on the Gold Coast this week.

Sixty Indigenous students from Queensland and New South Wales are taking part in activities as part of the four-day summit, which is run in partnership with the Gillard Government and the National Rugby League (NRL) and culminates in the match between the Indigenous All Stars and NRL All Stars on Saturday night.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, said the Gillard Government has invested more than $1,400,000 over three years to support the NRL Indigenous All Stars initiative and the summit, through the Indigenous Employment Program.

“The fun bit for the students will be attending the All Stars match and taking part in the pre-game entertainment - but there are significant aims behind both the match and the summit,” Ms Collins said.

“It’s important to celebrate Indigenous talent and achievement and to cheer on the current generation to become skilful players in closing the gap to indigenous disadvantage.

“Many of the Indigenous stars at the event have compelling stories to tell of their achievements - and they want to share with other young people in their communities the importance of staying in school and finishing their education.

“Education as a pathway to good jobs is the Government’s top priority in closing the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

“We are investing $650 million over four years in the Indigenous Employment Program – and it is already delivering excellent results.

“In its two-and-a-half years, the program has placed 70,800 Indigenous Australians in a job or a training course. The 32,800 job placements have exceeded the program’s targets by 14 per cent,” Ms Collins said.

This year’s All Stars Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo has attracted almost 50 exhibitors from a range of industries, including ANZ Bank and Virgin Australia.

“The business community is an important partner in boosting indigenous employment and I’m delighted they’ve responded so strongly to participating in this year’s Expo at the Summit,” Ms Collins said.

“It’s an opportunity for the students and the wider community to meet the country’s best educators and sportspeople.

“Almost 60 per cent of Indigenous Australians live in Queensland and NSW – and rugby league and its Indigenous stars have a huge following.

“Our partnership with the NRL and the Indigenous All Stars encourages young Indigenous people to stay in school, to strive to get good jobs for themselves and to become leaders in their communities

“The Indigenous All Stars will again be doing their many fans proud and not just on the football field – here’s to another wonderful match.”