State Government backs sporting program for keeping at-risk remote Kimberley Youth “on track”

A Kimberley not-for-profit program aimed at providing sporting opportunities for at-risk youth has received a funding boost.

Fair Game Australia will receive $150,000 in funding over three years to support Fit and Active Kimberley Program staff and volunteers who travel to remote communities in the Kimberley to deliver a range of programs when other services break for school holidays.

The program includes seven week-long trips annually for three years across 10 remote communities, the provision of the ‘Game on!” and Healthy Communities program, and the distribution of pre-loved sports equipment.

Remote communities involved include Pandanus Park, Fitzroy Crossing, Bayulu, Muludja, Wangkatjungka, Yiyili, Halls Creek, Mulan, and Balgo.

The program will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, along with local community organisations, agencies and local government authorities.

Sports and Recreation Minister David Templeman said he was proud to support the initiative which removed barriers to sport and helped keep at-risk youth on track.

“Participation in community sport and recreation programs improves not just physical wellbeing but also social cohesion and connection to culture, crime reduction and school retention,” he said.

“Fair Game have a strong history of delivering unique health and fitness programs and recycled sports equipment to vulnerable communities.”