Jamaine Jones and Sam Petrevski-Seton attended the signing at Mineral Resources Park alongside representatives from Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation (KNAC), Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation’s (JYAC), BHP and Creating Communities, with West Coast Eagles Indigenous Player Development Manager Chance Bateman signing the Cultural Compact on behalf of the Club.
The This Is Our Dream Cultural Compact was designed in 2020 and is an invitation from Nyiyaparli and Martu to local organisations, businesses, and individuals to commit to help build a better future for people in Newman.
KNAC director Carol-Anne Tucker welcomed West Coast Eagles as a signatory of the Cultural Compact.
“It’s good to have the Cultural Compact moving forward with the next generation so we can all collaborate and work together, it’s great having West Coast on board,” she said.
The West Coast Eagles’ presence in the Pilbara has been significant and long-term, with the Club collaborating with local organisations to deliver impactful engagement activities for youth for several years.
An extension of the West Coast Eagles’ Youth Engagement Partnership with BHP catalysed the appointment of a Newman-based Youth Engagement Coordinator last year, with Brendon Daily actively delivering and supporting activities that support young people to connect with community and realise their potential.
West Coast Eagles Regional Programs Manager James Grabski highlighted the significance of the Cultural Compact in further strengthening our connection with the Pilbara region.
“The Cultural Compact was an invitation for us to come together with Nyiyaparli and Martu and understand what is best for the community,” he said.
“This will help shape the work that we do in terms of bringing parts of our club, our role models, players and staff to the community and to do that effectively.
“Today making that commitment to the Cultural Compact is a significant step forward in being able to appropriately consult and be guided by those who know the community best so we can all be really successful together.”
KNAC Chairman Keith Hall said being able to walk alongside the West Coast Eagles will pave the way for positive opportunities for the community.
“The main focus having West Coast Eagles Football Club on board shows our younger generation they can get in and get involved in sporting clubs,” he said.
Martu woman Olivia Wilson said West Coast Eagles are a welcome presence in Newman, particularly when they deliver programs for young people.
“I think it’s a really great partnership that will make a positive impact for future generations. It's great for kids to have positive role models in town,” she said.
For more information on the This Is Our Dream Cultural Compact watch the video produced by Creating Communities in partnership with the West Coast Eagles, Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation, Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation and BHP, or visit the website.
