Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), in partnership with Fair Game, has wrapped its successful visit to the Pilbara, marking the launch of its new Footprints in Culture and Pathways to Play programs.
Over the course of the week, CGA alumni visited the remote communities of Yandeyarra, Marble Bar, Warralong and Strelley, spending more than 18 hours in schools engaging with local students through sport, storytelling and cultural exchange.
The initiative aimed to foster participation, promote healthy and active lifestyles, and strengthen relationships between communities and sport. Populations in the communities visited ranged from as few as 40 residents to around 150, underscoring the importance of bringing sporting opportunities to some of Australia’s most isolated regions.
Alumni including Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Anabelle Smith and Shayna Jack OAM joined the visit, spending time on the ground to deliver clinics, distribute sporting equipment and share their personal experiences as athletes.
Vander-Kuyp said the experience reflected what Commonwealth Games Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is all about, turning commitment into genuine connection.
“It’s fantastic being out here in the Pilbara with Commonwealth Games Australia and Fair Game. For me, it’s a real highlight to meet the kids, connect with the community and help build relationships through sport,” he said.
“When you think about what a RAP represents; building relationships, creating opportunities and showing respect, there’s really no better way to bring that to life than being out here face-to-face, sharing stories and engaging with community.”
Through the Pathways to Play initiative, a total of 453 pieces of sporting equipment were donated across the communities, packed into five large sports bags to support ongoing participation in local programs.
Items were provided through CGA’s network of Sport Members and partners, including Valour Sport, Basketball Australia, Boxing Australia, Table Tennis Victoria and Volleyball Australia.
The Footprints in Culture component offered the opportunity for athletes to learn directly from community members, gaining a deeper appreciation for the connection between Country, culture and sport.
Jack said the visit offered a valuable, ‘eye-opening experience’ on the perspective of the role sport plays in bringing people together.
“Growing up in Brisbane, sport and access to facilities like pools was just part of everyday life, but here, that’s not always the case, and it really makes you step back and see the world through their eyes,” she said.
“The most moving part for me has been seeing how much the kids have loved having us here. Just playing sport together, whether it’s water polo, basketball or swimming, has brought so much joy. You can really see how much it means to them.”
The program also reinforced CGA’s broader reconciliation commitments, focused on creating meaningful, long-term partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through sport and shared learning.
Smith said the time spent in community was both humbling and rewarding.
“As an athlete, this has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done,” she said.
“We can get caught up in our own little bubbles, so it’s really special to step outside that and learn more about Indigenous culture. Coming out west and spending time in the Pilbara has been something I’ll never forget.”
CGA and Fair Game will now look to build on the success of the visit, exploring opportunities to expand the program and further support engagement through sport.
