Rio Tinto supports Kimberley girls to ‘Make their Mark’

Each WAFL Club has both metropolitan and regional development zones from which they draw players and develop the game. Claremont Football Club's metropolitan area roughly covers North Beach to North Fremantle and east to the freeway; and our regional zones are the Great Southern region and the Kimberley. We support these areas by promoting the game of football, hosting training and carnivals and encouraging talented players along the player pathway. 

In relation to engagement with the Kimberley, nothing would be possible without the support of Garnduwa. They are the peak indigenous body promoting and developing sport and recreation throughout the region. CFC have a long successful relationship with Garnduwa as we share common goals in the development of football and people in Australia's Northwest.

With the support of Rio Tinto, late this year we were able to join Garnduwa’s ’Making her Mark’ program, which aims to create a safe space to yarn & listen to Aboriginal women in community and understand perceived and real barriers to participating in sport. Whilst a region of exceptional talent, the Kimberley also presents considerable social and infrastructure challenges, not to mention travel and access to opportunity. For this trip, CFC WAFLW premiership player Jasmine Stewart, who also has ties to the Halls Creek area, joined the convoy starting in Broome and driving over 1000kms one way east through Halls Creek and on to the communities of Balgo, Billiluna and Mulan before returning. With women’s football growing exponentially this has afforded some wonderful new opportunities for females to be part of a new sport and pathway. 

The Claremont Football Club thanks Garnduwa and thier exceptional staff in letting us play a role in this trip and greatly appreciate the support of Rio Tinto for thier ongoing investment in WA grassroots football.

Photo & Video Credits: Adam Crane - salt diaries