In 1973 he became the first Aboriginal to captain Australia in any sport. He captained Queensland in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980, which ushered in a new era for the game. Beetson was named Rugby League Week’s seventh Immortal in 2003. He passed away in 2011.

What happened to Arthur Beetson?

On 1 December 2011, Beetson died following a heart attack while riding his bicycle at Paradise Point on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He was 66.

Was Arthur Beetson indigenous?

In depth: Arthur Beetson, the first Indigenous Australian to captain his country. In its long and cultured history on both sides of the world, the sport of rugby league has seen some legendary characters grace the turf.

Is Arthur Beetson died?

Deceased (1945–2011)
Arthur Beetson/Living or Deceased

Did Arthur Beetson get a state funeral?

A private funeral will be held on Friday to honour rugby league great Arthur Beetson, who died from a heart attack on the Gold Coast earlier this month. A public memorial for the man known as “Big Artie” will be held at Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium on December 18. …

How old is Artie Beetson?

66 years (1945–2011)
Arthur Beetson/Age at death

Arthur Beetson, one of the genuine greats of the Australian game who was also a hugely popular and significant Aboriginal sporting figure, has died at the age of 66.

How many State of Origin games has Artie beets played?

‘” Beetson, who had played 18 matches for New South Wales before State of Origin, not only captained Queensland in that first match, his inspirational performance set the tone for younger teammates such as Wally Lewis and Mal Mengina, players that would be the cornerstone of the Maroons success over the next decade.

Did Arthur Beetson have kids?

Beetson captained Australia against France in the final match of the Kangaroo tour in 1973. In 1974, employed as a purchasing officer for Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, he was married, living in Denistone in Sydney’s north west and had a four-year-old son, Scott.

Did Arthur Beetson have children?

Why is Arthur Beetson famous?

In 1973 he became the first Aboriginal to captain Australia in any sport. He captained Queensland in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980, which ushered in a new era for the game. Beetson was named Rugby League Week’s seventh Immortal in 2003.

Who was Arthur Beetson?

Arthur Beetson was a great Australian; one of the greatest. In his lifetime Arthur was a leader and a larrikin. He was revered by a nation as the greatest rugby league forward of all time and its first Indigenous Australian captain of a national sporting team. Arthur loved Queensland and in turn Queensland loved him.

What is the Arthur Beeston Foundation?

On his passing so that Arthur’s remarkable legacy lives on the Arthur Beeston Foundation was set up to help close that gap by engaging the community to empower Indigenous Australians to better outcomes in health, education, sport, employment and business development.

What is The ARTIE Academy?

The ARTIE Academy operates with high expectations for effort, behaviour, achievement and commitment. The ARTIE Academy’s fundamental vision is to inspire its participants, encourage and inform students of their progress, and celebrate their successes.