Supporting employment pathways in Kununurra

Collaborating in meaningful partnerships to empower communities, is a core strategic objective of Fair Game, so we’ve been delighted with the successful collaboration our Kununurra Game On! Hub has formed with the Wunan Foundation’s Talent Pool Academy.

The Academy works to strengthen youth workforce pathways, preparing young people to transition smoothly into employment in the East Kimberley.  Finding work experience opportunities that develop workplace skills and build confidence is a key element of this, which is where Fair Game’s Kununurra Hub comes in. The Hub’s free weekly Game On! after school program runs inclusive active games, providing a positive diversion in a safe space for vulnerable children while promoting fitness and fostering social inclusion. The sessions are run by young project officers and volunteers, who all participate in the games rather than directing from the sidelines, facilitating mentoring and encouragement.

Starting in Term 3 last year, two or three young people (aged 15-17 years) from the Academy came along to our Hub’s Game On! afterschool program at the PCYC each Monday to assist the team.  The students provided support in many ways, including setting up equipment and packing down after the games. They actively participate in the Game On! activities, encouraging other kids to get involved, as well as helping with running some of the activities. They also sometimes help prepare and cook dinner and clean up after.

Talent Pool Program Manager, Pida Bule-Turner, is enthusiastic about the collaboration - “Fair Game have been a great partner for Wunan.  They are incredibly reliable running their program every Monday of the school-term, so their sessions provide a great opportunity for our young people to gain experience of organising activities and engaging the kids.  We hope to continue this relationship and are encouraging our young people to take up the opportunity to become a Trainee Project Officer for the Fair Game program when they have finished the Academy. We are excited by the potential of this partnership.”

Fair Game Project Officer, Molly, has been very impressed with the Academy students’ contribution, commenting that they bring fantastic positive energy and are always willing to lend a hand, which has been hugely appreciated.

This truly is a win win situation, with Academy students having an opportunity to develop leadership skills and their regular involvement building a strong social sense of belonging.  At the same time, the positive impact of having closely relatable role models demonstrating future pathways to employment, is incredibly valuable for the young children attending the sessions.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration through 2026.