The journey to the carnival

Delivered by the Purple Hands Foundation and the Fremantle Dockers, the Kimberley 9s brings together students from remote communities across the region for a two-day beach carnival built around football, connection and opportunity.

With support from Variety WA, young people who might otherwise miss out were able to attend - removing the barriers of distance and cost that often limit access to experiences like this.

In 2025, nearly 500 students, teachers and support staff came together from across the Kimberley - many from communities with limited access to organised sport and enrichment programs.

For those students, the impact goes beyond the field. It's the chance to travel, meet other communities and step into something bigger than their day-to-day.

More than football

Across two days, football brings everyone together - but it's not the only focus. Alongside the games, students take part in workshops that build confidence, resilience and life skills, from cultural pride and leadership to wellbeing and creative expression.

For many, it's an experience that stays with them long after the final whistle.

“Experiences like this build confidence, connection, and belief - something every child deserves.”

- Chris Chatterton, CEO, Variety WA

Opening doors across regional WA

Through partnerships like this, Variety WA is breaking down the barries of distance - opening the door for more young people across regional Western Australia to connect, participate and thrive.