Fair Game’s vision is for an equitable, healthier and sustainable Australia. We work to achieve this by empowering and supporting communities to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Our Story

In 2010 John van Bockxmeer was a newly qualified doctor working in the Emergency Department in Port Hedland. 

One day, he looked out of the window and noticed a couple of kids in the hospital car park kicking rubbish in place of a footy. Hear how this moment inspired him to tackle inequality in access to healthy lifestyle choices.

“I wanted to find a holistic and empowering way to curb the tide of lifestyle related illness.”

John van Bockxmeer

Our approach

Our core values are at the heart of everything we do.

culture

inclusivity

empowerment

collaboration

leadership

Fair Games Approach Our Vision and Mission

Collaboration with communities 

We strive to build trust and develop strong relationships with communities and stakeholders through: 

  • good communication

  • consultation

  • adaptability

  • reliable provision of consistently high quality programs

This allows us to deliver effective programming that is tailored to the community and delivered at times of high need. 

We engage the wider community to enhance social cohesion through events which bring the community together. This might be through providing community cook ups or by collaborating with other service providers to support their events.

“It's great that Fair Game are flexible to the needs of the community and can cater accordingly, especially with their health education sessions.”

Mid West Community Sport and Rec Officer

Empowering communities  

Whenever possible we work with local youth officers, offering mentorship, sharing fresh ideas and new activities that keep children engaged and moving.  This supports them to be effective leaders and create sustainable impact in their community.

Our health promotion programs are evidence based and culturally safe.  They are designed to increase social capital and improve long term health outcomes through increased participation in sport and ongoing healthy lifestyle choices. 

Consultation with Indigenous health and other health organisations ensures messaging follows national standards and utilises best practice and that programs are implemented in a culturally appropriate manner.

“The timing of your visit has been perfect.  You’ve given our youth workers new ideas, skills and fresh energy.”

Lead Community Youth Officer, Balgo

Increasing access to sport

Taking part in sport and fitness activities is an effective way to increase social inclusion and improve mental and physical health.  Through our Equip for Sport program, we donate pre-loved sports equipment to many not for profit organisations in the Perth Metro area and around the state. This empowers the individuals they support to be involved, get moving and enjoy the many benefits this brings.

“Oh goodness it was such a hit!  Kids that normally play in sneakers have now been given a pair of preloved boots which makes them feel a part of the club, the sport and team thank you so much.”

Balga Football Club

Recognition and Awards

Recognition and awards for Fair Game, its founder and patron – Dr John van Bockxmeer – and its volunteers.

  • Medal of the Order of Australia

    2021

    Fair Game founder and Patron, Dr John van Bockxmeer, awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to medicine and the community – recognising John’s passionate advocacy to improve equity and health autonomy to remote communities through the founding of Fair Game in 2011, as well as his exceptional performance in providing quality, compassionate advocacy to improve equitable care during his nine years with the WA Country Health Service.

  • WA Young Volunteer of the Year

    2021

    WA Young Volunteer of the Year awarded to Senior Fair Gamer and Fair Game Board Director – Riley Dolman

  • WA Community Volunteering Organisation of the Year

    2019

    WA Community Volunteering Organisation of the Year – Presented to a community organisation that provides innovative leadership through good practice in volunteering and brings about positive and enduring change to their community.

  • Commonwealth Points of Light Award

    2018

    Commonwealth Points of Light Award given by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of exceptional volunteer work establishing the charity Fair Game 2018 Supporting Volunteers Winner – Sport and Recreation Industry Award.

  • Supporting Volunteers Winner

    2018

    Sport and Recreation Industry Award.

  • Regional Achievement & Community Award

    2017

    Overall Winner – Regional Achievement & Community Awards given by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – recognising work tackling health issues in remote Indigenous and refugee communities.

  • WA Young Australian of the Year Award

    2014

    West Australian – Young Australian of the Year awarded to Dr John van Bockxmeer

  • AMA Junior Doctor of the Year Award

    2014

    Junior Doctor of the Year awarded by Australian Medical Association to Dr John van Bockxmeer

  • NAPCAN Play Your Part Award

    2014

    Play Your Part Award for work to improve emotional and physical health of children in Regional WA through the Wellness Walkabout yoga program.

  • HESTA Primary Health Care Young Leader Award

    2013

    Awarded to Dr John van Bockxmeer.