The legacy of Fair Game’s 15 years of program delivery in communities

Jess Faraone, Fair Game Recreation Coordinator and previously long term volunteer, reflects on why consistency and continuity is key to impact.

Through my ongoing involvement with Fair Game, first as a volunteer starting in 2014 and since 2024 as a Recreation Coordinator, one of my greatest pleasures has been watching the kids grow up over repeated visits to a community, growing in confidence and finding their way as young adults.  To be a small part of that is a real privilege and it is possible because of Fair Game’s consistent presence in communities over the last 15 years.  This has built trust and created strong long-term relationships across generations.

One person who truly reflects this impact is Tristan, a young adult around 24 years old living in Fitzroy Crossing. Fair Game have been running school holiday programs in Fitzroy Crossing for many years and Tristan has been attending the sessions since the very first trip I was part of as a volunteer back in 2014.  He has continued to show up at almost every session since. I feel like we have both grown up together alongside the program.

As he grew older, Tristan has naturally stepped into a leadership role during Fair Game sessions. He regularly helps run games, supports younger kids to stay engaged, and sets a positive example through his involvement. The younger children respond incredibly well to him, often following his lead and feeling more confident to participate when he is involved.  

Tristan is a familiar face around town taking great pride in running his own gardening business which now employs other young people.  In fact, he is a bit of a local celebrity.  When we caught up with him in Fitzroy Crossing during the January holidays he came along and helped at the sessions as always, but then was very eager to show us a new public artwork featuring his portrait.

Tristan’s ongoing involvement in our program highlights the importance of Fair Game’s long term, commitment to communities. By returning year after year, Fair Game is not only engaging children in the moment, but also supporting young people to develop leadership skills and grow into confident role models within their own community. This continuity strengthens trust, builds leadership, and reinforces the lasting impact of sport as a tool for connection, belonging, and positive change.