19/09/05
Young Aboriginal men from the Kimberley brought to Perth to further their football careers will receive support for their training and development from the State Government.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan has announced the acquisition of a Claremont property to house the young footballers.
Mr Logan said it was an exciting and ground-breaking project.
“These young men, who are participating in the Claremont Football Club’s development pathway, will also receive guidance and assistance in life outside football with employment and studies,” he said.
“The housing arrangement supports the Department of Housing and Works’ current focus on accommodation for singles and partnership arrangements with organisations to improve educational and employment opportunities for young Aboriginal people.”
The Minister said the department had purchased the property in Nandina Avenue, Mount Claremont for $510,000 and it would be managed under a head-lease arrangement with the Noongar Mia-Mia Aboriginal Corporation.
Mr Logan said the Claremont Football Club would be responsible for providing a live-in carer at the house.
They would also provide extensive support through its development pathway program. (In 2003, the club was allocated the Kimberley region as part of the West Australian Football Commission’s zoning policy.)
“This is great news for the Claremont club,” the Minister said.
“They are to be congratulated for the commitment to the Kimberley region and the work they are doing with young Aboriginal men from the area who want to follow their football dream to Perth.”
Mr Logan said the department would retain ownership of the property and, if the pathway program ended, the department would have a valuable asset.
“The major importance of the project is that it provides an opportunity for the department to further its aims of securing more positive futures for young Aboriginal people,” he said.
“The Gallop Government is committed to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians wherever they live.”
Mr Logan was joined at the announcement by West Coast Eagles player David Wirrpunda and former West Perth captain Bill Dempsey, who was recently selected in the AFL’s Indigenous Team of the Century.
Mr Wirrpunda and Mr Dempsey both left their home towns to follow their football dream to Perth and spoke of the importance of support and assistance for young footballers living a long way from home.
Mr Dempsey is the regional project manager for the Department of Housing and Work’s Aboriginal housing directorate.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
