Where We Work
Locations
We work with children in some of the most remote and underserviced communities in Western Australia, supporting and empowering them to lead healthy, active lives.
“It was so awesome to have you here working with our kids. We don’t really get any service providers coming outside of medical for the kids, and they’ve had the absolute best week. Every morning they have been here at school early asking when Fair Game sports is going to start. You can see with their behaviours just how happy they are to have you here.”
Teacher, Parnngurr
Our Impact
Since 2010 we have been working with some of the most remote and underserviced communities in WA. Our programs aim to empower and support them to improve the health and wellbeing of their children.
why it mAtters
"Research shows that the socially or economically disadvantaged have poorer health outcomes in Australia. Providing more opportunities to make choices supporting healthy and active lifestyles, regardless of income, education or cultural background has been identified as a key driver for improving health outcomes."
Sustainable Health Review, Department of Health, Western Australia - 2019
The life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations living in WA is around 12 years. The gap is even wider for those living in remote communities. ABS
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the incidence of chronic disease, with those in the lowest socio economic group bearing nearly twice the disease burden of those in the highest. AIHW
Our programs aim to reduce the risk of lifestyle related disease, build social cohesion and improve mental wellbeing. We walk alongside communities to ensure our programs are culturally safe and create a sustainable impact.
Our core values are embedded in the design and delivery of all our programs.
culture
inclusivity
empowerment
collaboration
leadership
OUR PROGRAMS
Fit & Healthy in the Outback
Our teams deliver active fitness games and health education sessions with an emphasis on fun and inclusion to children in remote Aboriginal communities across WA.
Coordinating with communities, small teams of volunteers accompanied by a Fair Game Trip Lead, visit one or two remote communities over the course of a week. The teams use a holistic approach which combines our Game On! program of inclusive active games, with our Healthy Communities health promotion program. Children are first engaged through rapport building fitness games and then are receptive to health messaging which is delivered using novel, interactive activities. The sessions teach evidence-based practices in the areas of oral, feet, ear and hand hygiene, lung health, mental wellbeing and nutrition.
“I think they (Fair Game team) set several great examples to the youth and adults in our community - apart from the activities, also inclusivity, encouragement, team work, positivity and more. We are a blessed community to have them come and contribute as they do.”
Yalgoo, Mid West
-
![Fair Game – Healthy Communities]()
Healthy Communities
The Healthy Communities program is designed by health care professionals and encourages the adoption of healthy daily habits assisting in the prevention of communicable and chronic disease. Healthy Communities backpacks containing everyday health and hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes and band aids are given to the children to support ongoing healthy practices.
-
![Fair Game – Game On!]()
Game On!
The Game On! programs are high engagement and adaptable to suit different numbers, ages and skill levels, keeping everyone active. Game On! also includes the very popular Wellness Walkabout, a culturally appropriate yoga program based on the story of an Aboriginal boy walking through the bush and the animals and landmarks he comes across.
-
![Fair Game – Sustaining active lifestyles]()
Sustaining active lifestyles
Fair Game also donates pre-loved sports equipment in response to community requests to support ongoing involvement in sport and fitness activities.
This might be footy boots which are required for children to participate in formal competitions or equipment to support local youth officers' sports programs.
Game On! Afterschool program
Our hubs run free weekly sessions of our Game On! high engagement, active games to support the development of disengaged and marginalised young people.
The sessions provide a positive diversion in a safe space for vulnerable children and teenagers, promoting fitness, coordination and teamwork. This fosters social inclusion and builds the participants’ self-confidence.
Children are encouraged to get involved with cooking the evening meal that is provided at the end of the session. A great opportunity to build skills and learn more about healthy eating.
“The collaboration has been nothing short of life changing for many youths in Hedland.”
Shelley Marklew, Supervisor, Community Engagement & Youth Policing, South Hedland Police Station
-
![Fair Game – Hub why this works]()
Why this works
The program is run by project officers and volunteers who all participate in the games rather than directing or coaching from the sidelines. This breaks down barriers quickly providing valuable opportunities for conversation and encouragement.
The games are fun and adaptable to work with different age ranges, skill levels and numbers and keep everyone involved. The less structured format appeals to young people who aren’t actively engaged in more formal sports.
-
![Fair Game Hub locations]()
Hub locations
This program is currently being delivered across three locations; JD Hardie Centre in South Hedland (Pilbara region) and at the PCYC centres in Broome and Kununurra (Kimberley region).
Fair Game’s Hedland program is supported by Mingle Mob and WA Police. Project officers and volunteers are usually young professionals working locally or medical students on placement.
-
![Outreach]()
Outreach
The hubs also run outreach trips to some of the closer Aboriginal communities. These take place approximately once per term, often in collaboration with other service providers.
The volunteers run fun active games for the young people and invite the wider community to join in the healthy cook up offered.
Equip for Sport
Fair Game collects pre-loved sports equipment and donates it to those who need it.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy getting active and believe where you live and your socio economic status shouldn’t be barriers to taking part.
By extending the life of sports equipment as well as increasing access to sport and fitness activities, this program has a positive social and environmental impact.
“The young people have been able to learn tennis, play basketball and have some fun at the local pool because of all the great gear we’ve received from Fair Game. We were able to outfit all of the young people in Mullewa with footy boots because of your generosity and they have been extremely grateful.”
Mullewa Youth Centre
