Page title

The recruitment drive for more playing opportunities started when local social worker Tim Lanzon noticed kids were unable to participate in football matches due to registration barriers.  

Recognising the need for action, Tim worked alongside WA Police Community Liaison Officer Deanella Purdie to help families with KidSport applications, their efforts creating a 400 per cent jump in applications from the previous season. 

“This was never about a project, it was about responding to a need,” he said.  

“Sometimes the obstacle to completing a KidSport application was as simple as families having lost the paper healthcare card or not having access to internet or a phone. 

“Families wanted their children to play, but systemic barriers made it difficult and removing those hurdles, we saw not just inclusion in sport, but renewed confidence and community engagement.” 

KidSport is a WA Government program which provides eligible children aged 5 to 18 up to $300 per financial year to cover club fees, ensuring cost is never a reason to sit on the sidelines. 

Deanella said her work with Tim played a key role in boosting KidSport numbers for the footy club, from 10 registrations the previous year to 53 this season. 

“Growing up, I was surrounded with sports and positive role models, that’s what we’re hoping to deliver for the kids in Kununurra,” she said. 

“We’re local, we’re from the Kimberley region, we’re both Aboriginal, so we try to do as much as we can out in the community. 

“A lot of this good news comes back to the footy committee and the amazing work the volunteers do, if it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t have happened.” 

The influx of new players has prompted local youth agencies to collaborate, forming a support network to assist children with additional needs.  

The Kununurra Junior Football Association embraced the initiative with the impacts rippling across the community.