Fair Game Australia expands sports program, reaching more than 9000 remote at-risk kids

Fair Game Australia, which runs sporting workshops for at-risk kids, is expanding its program with a new community liaison officer and two recreation coordinators as it plans to deliver 30 workshops across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid West this year.

The expansion is part of a $150,000 three-year partnership with Horizon Power which will also support volunteer training and management for the teams who deliver the remote community programs.

Fair Game Australia chief executive Nicki Bardwell said the support had been “instrumental in allowing the organisation to expand the geographical reach of its health, education and fitness programs”.

“It gives us the operational certainty required to commit to regular program delivery for an increasing number of remote communities across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid West,” she said.

“The three-year partnership will enable us to co-fund a community liaison officer and two recreation co-ordinators, enhancing our impact, with greater continuity in relationships and increased opportunity to work closely with communities to co-design programming tailored to each one’s specific needs.”

In 2024, Fair Game also ran weekly after-school programs in Kununurra, Broome and South Hedland in addition to its Fit and Healthy in the Outback program reaching more than 9000 kids in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West and Gascoyne, across 30 remote communities.

Horizon Power acting chief executive Krystal Skinner said this reflected Horizon Power’s confidence in Fair Game’s ability to deliver sustainable, community-driven outcomes.

“Fair Game’s programs promote healthier lifestyles but also foster social cohesion, cultural inclusion and environmental responsibility — values that are strongly aligned to Horizon Power’s guiding principles,” she said.

This year Fair Game will host activities in Wyndham, Warmun, Fitzroy Crossing, Looma, Port Hedland, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Roebourne, Meekatharra, Wiluna, Cue, Mount Magnet and Yalgoo.

Fair Game also collects and donates pre-loved sports equipment – diverting it from landfill – with almost 15,000 pieces of equipment distributed across WA last year, including footballs, soccer balls and cricket bats.