About | National Disability Rugby League Festival | 6-7 Dec 2024

about the
ndrl festival

We’re passionate about providing a space for people from all walks of life to feel included in the greatest game of all - footy!

meet our founder,
owen craigie

Owen has been involved in the charity and disability space for over 10 years, working on projects for agencies such as Mission Australia, the National Disability Support Agency (NDIA), and Vinnies.

It was here that he realised he could make a difference in the lives of those living with a disability, especially First Nations people.

In 2021 he started his charity ‘The Big OC Foundation’, which is all about empowering, motivating and supporting people living with a mental illness through their 'chase the energy' tools and programs.

In 2023 he opened Dreamtime Disability Services, which provides support for people from all cultural backgrounds and abilities in NDIS and Aged Care. But his love for community and creating a space for people to get involved in sport started long before this.

In 1995 he made his NRL debut for the Newcastle Knights, which was the beginning of an almost 10 year football career, playing for teams such as the West Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and The Vikings (English Super League). Playing footy allowed him to become involved in community and charity work, opening doors to meet new people from all walks of life.

The NDRL Festival has been an opportunity for Owen to combine both passions, creating a space where people living with a disability can participate in the greatest game of all - footy!