TEGAN Blanch, a proud Aboriginal woman hailing from Stuarts Point, Gumbaynggirr Country, was recently announced as Vice-Captain of the Australian team competing in the World Deaf 7’s Rugby contest in Argentina from 5 to 9 April 2023.

Tegan, who is profoundly deaf, currently lives and works on Meanjin Country (Brisbane) as an Auslan Language Model (ALM) and Auslan translator and is passionate about working with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students to promote inclusion and equity.

“The best part of my job is helping and seeing students reach their full potential and in 2023, I will visit and support DHH, First Nations students all over Queensland,” she said.

Tegan is proud of her selection and can’t wait to represent her nation.

“I am excited for the opportunity to represent my country at an international level and to be the vice-captain of the team.

“However, travelling to Argentina is costly, with flights alone costing around $4,800.

“I am therefore requesting sponsorship and/or donations, big or small, to help me achieve my dream of representing Australia and Gumbaynggirr Country,” Tegan said.

As a supporter and educator from Stuarts Point, Robyn Lewis has known Tegan and her family for many years.

“We are all so proud of her achievements and Tegan has a ‘Go Fund Me’ page, also we are running raffles at Yarrahapinni Tavern, with generous prize donations from local businesses, to be drawn at the end of March,” Robyn said.

To offer support please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/world-deaf-rugby-7s.

By Jen HETHERINGTON