Remote Community Visits

Role Models WA specialist teams of high profile Indigenous and non-Indigenous sporting and community role models make three (3) visits to remote communities across WA delivering leadership workshops, sporting programs, and extracurricular activities and events to promote healthy lifestyles and the importance of education.

As well as sporting role models the visiting teams include a grooming and deportment specialist (popular with boys and girls!) and the local Indigenous rock band Yabu.

• Goldfields - Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Laverton, Leonora, Norseman and Wiluna.
• Gascoyne / Mid West - Cue, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Sandstone and Yalgoo.
• Pilbara -Cotton Creek, Jigalong, Onslow, Marble Bar, Newman, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Roebourne and Yandeyarra.
• Kimberley - Balgo, Billiluna, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Mulan.

Groups of specialised athletes and professionals in the fields of basketball, netball, football, soccer, athletics, track and field, high jump, music and grooming and deportment aim to make a difference to the students and communities in the regions by providing unique and motivating programs that encourage students to stay in school, participate in sports and behave.

As well as sporting role models, the visiting teams include a grooming and deportment specialist (popular with boys and girls!), a DJ or local Indigenous rock band Yabu.

In consultation with individual schools, community groups, local government and recreation officers, a range of programs are delivered.

• mentoring with one-on-one coaching of students in workshops, schools or events teaching positive behaviours and healthy lifestyles;
• leadership in education, nutrition, goal setting, anti-drugs presentations are provided at every opportunity at school assemblies or community events;
  
• sporting and skill development programs, clinics, team  games and non-competitive activities with professional coaches and athletes;
  
• music appreciation with a hip hop DJ and Indigenous rock band ’YABU’, teach students to count and read, write and make music incorporating cultural music;
  
• grooming and deportment confidence and self esteem building tools in personal hygiene, skin care, nails, hair care and styles, lice treatments,  fashion styles and tips and modelling.

Teams are always warmly welcomed to the schools and communities.  Sessions often start in the early mornings and evenings avoiding the most extreme heat during the day.  This works well as the children enjoy the after school social and physical aspects of the community basketball clinics and disco sessions which often last through the night under the golden skies.

Role models spend two to three days in each community with students of all ages and liaising with school staff, community leaders and elders. The role models assist teachers by promoting school attendance, attainment and behaviour.  Following the visits, students participate in an attendance and behaviour monitoring period at school where successful students can then become eligible to participate in a three day Leadership Camp held in Perth. 

The outcomes for the students involved relate to:

Sport and physical activity.
Enhancing healthy, safe lifestyles with an emphasis on no drugs, no alcohol and no violence, Focus on education as the prime catalyst for significant positive change in their lives. Leadership and teamwork skills development.

The visits guarantee reinforcement of the Program objectives for the students, and keep community engagement at a peak.

The remote school visits mean that all students are exposed to the Program, not just those achieving Program targets to receive an invitation to a Perth camp. More importantly, the visits secure a whole of community engagement with BBQ’s, sporting programs, and other events held before and after school.

Indigenous community members, teaching staff, sponsors, and other stakeholders are invited to engage with the Role Models WA team and students. The events enhance community spirit, pride and recognition of the Program.

In the remote community, the team will try to identify local role models to continue the programs once they leave the community. As a Registered Training Organisation, Role Models WA is able to provide formal training to local role models. This strategy ensures the sustainability of the programs when the Role Models WA teams are not in the community either between visits, or in the event that a visit in not financially viable.