Sport
15 May, 2026
Maryborough Ravens initiate outreach
The Maryborough Reclink Ravens recently commenced an outreach program, encouraging locals to enjoy the benefits of social physical activity.
The Ravens play in the Reclink Central Victorian Football League, an inclusive competition centered on involving all participants who might otherwise miss out on organised sport.
Players and volunteers walked along the streets of Maryborough to hand out sporting equipment, place flyers and talk with residents about potentially joining the club.
Team manager Cindy Angel said the program has already been a tremendous success, with 10 new players recruited before their match with the Melton Lions on Wednesday.
“The players really liked it because they were getting some new players, which we really desperately needed. This is only round three, and we’ve got 10 new players who have already started playing with us,” she said.
“It allows us to have people on the bench and ensure that everyone is having fun.”
The Ravens were joined by Reclink Australia founder Peter Cullen, a passionate advocate of using sport to support people experiencing disadvantage.
Cullen said an act as simple as donating sports equipment can have a massive impact.
“We want to recapture the value, the spark, and the possibility that sports equipment provides on the health of our people,” he said.
“People probably underestimate the power of sports equipment to get people moving and the physical and mental health benefits that it provides.”
For over three decades, Cullen has seen firsthand how the power of community and sport can transform and save lives.
Cullen said whenever he sees a Reclink football match being played, he sees a community filled with connection, encouragement and respect come to life.
“We believe if sport were made an essential service, the impact on physical and mental health in this nation would be substantial,” he said.
“We try to dismantle the barriers to sport. Whether it’s financial, sometimes ability, or the various social challenges that people face, such as homelessness, addiction, or mental health, there’s a place where people can go.
“When people move from deep isolation into community, it’s hugely powerful and that’s fulfilling.
“They’re building community and friendships. Those things are powerful in people’s lives and it’s what empowers people to move forward with a sense of community and belonging.”
With the success of the Ravens recent outreach, Cullen said he’s keen to hear from interested players or agencies to participate in a club that’s been a steady presence in the community since 2018.
“We’re certainly on the outreach to have more and more people involved, but we’d also like to hear from people if they’d like to see other programs in the area,” he said.
“We’ve only got the one program at the moment, but we would like to have multiple sports, recreation and health-based programs through having a Reclink program fully come here.”
Anyone interested in participating in local Reclink programs is encouraged to contact Peter Cullen on 0421 442 340.