Members of the Dubbo Regional Council Youth Council were among 100 young people from the Dubbo Region excited to meet former NRL great Todd Carney on Wednesday.
Carney toured the region as part of the Reboot Mindset Academy, a charity which he founded with close mate Mitchell Pearce.
While in Dubbo, Carney met with Youth Council members and other youth at Victoria Park No 1 Oval to speak about his story of talent, adversity and transformation, overcoming highly publicised setbacks including his struggles with alcohol and mental health.
He was interviewed by Youth Council member Brendan Fernando Fuller and Ashton Jones in a question-and-answer session before meeting other attendees.
Brendan and Ashton spoke with Carney about his program, the people who inspired him and what it was like when he was in the same position as many youth in Dubbo are today.
“Having Todd here is just amazing. It’s a great opportunity for young people to meet a start that they look up too, someone who is a real role model for us.
“This is an opportunity that we don’t get out here every day, so having Todd here is really good,” Brendan said.
Dubbo Regional Council Youth Development Officer Charmaine Mara said events such as this were part of Council’s commitment to youth wellbeing, leadership and inclusion.
“We designed this event to engage young people across the Dubbo Local Government Area, particularly those at risk or disengaged to give them some tools to build confidence, emotional regulation and a positive mindset.
“The Youth Council members were integral in setting up the event and promoting it to their communities, encouraging young people to come along and join in during the school holidays,” Ms Mara said.
“This event alights with the Youth Action Plan 2025-2029, which was adopted earlier this year and aims to provide meaningful activities for young people in our communities.”
Carney is a former NRL player who, during his career, played for the Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks as well as for NSW and Australia.
He is now a coach and mentor helping young people navigate pressure and life’s pitfalls.