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Footy star’s message to young: School gives strength for great future
by Marcus Priaulx 15 September 2013
Who’s that with Mayor Ken Bone? Footy star Petero Civoniceva dropped in to Cherbourg to say g’day and urge the kids to make the most of the opportunities school gave them. All images supplied
etero Civoniceva’s parents brought him to Australia for a better life and found it. His father, Petero (snr), flew with his wife Tima, so he could play for the Redcliffe Demons rugby union side in Queensland. It was strictly an amateur role in the 1970s but the couple brought their six-month-old son Petero (jnr) because they believed he’d have a better future in the land Downunder. It was a great risk to break from their family and friends but it paid off. Their son and his following sisters of Lily and Lusi flourished in the bayside town that was the former home of the Bee Gees. They went to school every day on time and it was at Humpybong State School that Petero found his
love for rugby league. As a boy he was scrawny and nothing above average until he made his first representative side at the age of 16. From there Petero flourished and went on to play front row prop in 40 games for Australia, more than 30 for Queensland and won three NRL premierships with the Broncos. He officially retired after playing in the Redcliffe Dolphins side that was knocked from the Queensland Cup a few weeks ago. Petero is now grateful for his daily schooling. He can read, write, add up and developed strong social skills which allow him to co-own the Pacific Cleaning, BrisbaneSydney firm and work as an NRL community engagement officer. It was in the latter role Petero
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travelled to Cherbourg-Murgon on September 3 with the Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek. Petero brought the NRL’s Tackle Bullying to the local schools. He also delivers the NRL Rugby League Reads and Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well programs. “I’m passionate about it,” he said of his work. “Being a rugby league player I’ve always been aware I can have a positive influence on young people and be a role model and mentor to our young supporters. “I look back to my father’s decision to come to Australia and my own life and tell people ‘don’t doubt yourself, go out there and grab those opportunities that are there. Nobody is going to give you those opportunities for free. You Page 1
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have to work hard for what you want in life.” And Petero said failure is usually part of the journey. “You’re going to get some knocks, take some falls, but you have to bounce back and keep going,” he said. “That’s part of the life experience and it starts with school. “It’s about getting up every day, putting in the effort and the rewards will come. “You can do anything if you’re prepared to work for it and I’d encourage parents to send their children to school every day, on time, so they have the best chance of achieving their dreams and leading a productive life.”
A giant between roses: Aunty Ada Simpson and Aunty Sandra Morgan were stoked to host Petero Civoniceva at their Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg.
Only too happy to help: Queensland Education Minister JohnPaul Langbroek helps promote the Ration Shed Museum’s education resources for schools with Cherbourg elder and a Ration Shed museum founder Sandra Morgan.
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Say G’day to Waverly for me: Petero Civoniceva caught up with Grace Stanley, the mother of his former friend and Yalari founder, Waverly. Waverly was also an inspiration to Petero as he was a Redcliffe Dolphins’ A Grader player when the Australian rugby league great was at school.