The Purple Hands Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and skies on which we live in Perth, the Whadjuk People of the Noongar Boodja and acknowledge their continuing connection to Country and culture. We pay respect to Elders past and present, senior knowledge holders and those following in their footsteps, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia.
Introduction
Report
Chairman, General Manager
About Board, patrons and partners
Our Impact
An overview of 2025, and why our work matters
Kimberley Connected School Program
Kimberley 9s Carnival
Goals aHead
Promoting mental well-being and empowering young people
Disability Inclusion
Championing inclusion through football
Intercept
Early intervention through connection
Purple Hands Game
A celebration of community and support
Sport, Business and Leadership Program
Banksia Hill Pilot
Sport as a connector
Get Up and Goal
Equipping young people who are neurodiverse for future careers
OUR VISION
A connected WA community where young people are thriving from a sense of belonging and purpose.
OUR MISSION
To help young people aged 12 to 18 years overcome barriers to unlock their true potential, instilling important life skills and behaviours using the power of sport - so that no one is left behind.
WHY PURPLE HANDS?
Purple Hands Foundation was built on a simple belief: that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported and valued. Through the power of sport, mentorship and community connection, we create safe spaces where young people can belong, grow and believe in themselves.
Our work is grounded in relationships - with students, communities, schools, service providers and partners - because real change happens when people feel genuinely connected. Purple Hands is about working alongside young people, celebrating their strengths, and backing them to shape their own future.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
STRATEGY & FUTURE FOCUS
On behalf of the Purple Hands Foundation and the Fremantle Dockers, I thank our partners, supporters, and community for your continued belief in our mission.
As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on stewardship, clarity and long-term impact. The past year has strengthened our sense of direction and reinforced the importance of being deliberate about where and how we focus our efforts, ensuring Purple Hands remains strong, relevant, and responsive to the needs of young people across WA.
Central to this work is a commitment to strong governance, trusted partnerships, and program integrity. We are focused on making sure the programs we deliver are high quality, well governed, and genuinely aligned with the needs of the communities we serve. This means listening carefully, working alongside local partners, and being thoughtful about where we invest our time and resources to achieve the greatest impact.
Our strategy is guided by three core priorities:
Impact: ensuring our work delivers clear and measurable benefits for young people.
Relevance: responding to real community need and evolving challenges.
Sustainability: building a resilient Foundation with structures, partnerships, and funding needed to support long-term outcomes
Strong leadership and collaboration sit at the heart of this approach. By working closely with schools, communities, and partners, we are positioning the Foundation to grow thoughtfully, without losing sight of purpose or quality.
I would like to acknowledge the dedication of my fellow directors, our Purple Hands team, and the Fremantle Football Club. I also extend my sincere thanks to our major partner, AKG, and all the funding and community partners whose support enables our strategic vision to become reality.
Together, we are a strong Foundation, using the power of sport to connect communities and open doors for every young person.
Tony Grist CHAIRMAN
GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT
OPERATIONAL & ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the past 12 months, the Purple Hands Foundation has focused on delivering high-quality programs, strengthening operational systems, and achieving meaningful outcomes for young people facing disadvantage. Our priority has been ensuring programs respond to the community's need and create real opportunities for young people to engage, grow, and succeed.
In 2025, more than 2,200 young people participated in our school-based and community programs across Western Australia, which included mental health education, life skills, and wellbeing initiatives. These efforts were made possible through strong collaboration with schools, community organisations, and delivery partners.
Our Goals aHead program continued to support students to build resilience and practical coping strategies, while Intercept, launched this year, engages young people at risk of disengagement, providing structured support, mentoring, and pathways to positive outcomes.
In regional Western Australia, Kimberley Connected and Kimberley 9s remained a cornerstone of our delivery, with 1,312 participants in workshops focusing on cultural connection, safe choices, and personal development. These workshops have contributed to improved school engagement and positive behaviour in communities where young people often have fewer opportunities.
The power of sport continues to be a defining strength of our delivery model. Through structured football-based activities and involvement from Fremantle Dockers players, sport provides a trusted platform to engage young people, build relationships, and reinforce life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and confidence.
Operationally, Purple Hands has strengthened systems, workforce, and delivery frameworks. Experienced staff, clear processes, and consistent evaluation ensure programs are delivered safely, effectively, and with measurable outcomes, while maintaining flexibility to respond to community needs.
We are grateful to the schools, partners, funders, and communities who make this work possible. Your collaboration allows us to deliver programs with consistency, reach, and impact.
Building on this year’s achievements, we will continue to expand program reach, enhance delivery, and achieve measurable outcomes for young people in the year ahead.
Simon Eastaugh
GENERAL MANAGER
Simon Eastaugh
OUR BOARD OUR PATRONS
Hon. Chris Dawson AC APM and Darrilyn Dawson
As a registered charity, the Purple Hands Foundation relies on the generosity of the Western Australian community to sustain and grow our programs. If you would like to get involved as a corporate partner or make a tax deductible donation, please scan the QR code.
SIMON GARLICK
TONY GRIST Chairman
COLLEEN HAYWARD
GRAEME PARKER
GUY HOUSTON
FOUNDING PARTNER
MAJOR PARTNER
FUNDING PARTNERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Goodeve Foundation
Australian Government
Tony and Michelle Grist
Scott Bader Group Paz Family
NET PROMOTER SCORE
%
BECAUSE OF INTERCEPT
89% FELT LIKE THEY BELONGED
88% FELT SUPPORTED AND RESPECTED
86% ENJOYED WORKING WITH OTHERS
85% SET FUTURE GOALS OR ENDEAVOURS
83% LEARNT NEW SKILLS
78% HAVE INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
98 PERCENT OF YOUNG AUSTRALIANS REPORTED HAVING FEELINGS OF ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION AT LEAST ONCE IN THE PAST YEAR. BUT AFTER COMPLETING GOALS A HEAD, THEY REPORTED A
17%
IMPROVEMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY
16%
INCREASE IN HELP SEEKING BEHAVIOURS
HOURS OF DIRECT STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
11% STIGMA REDUCTION
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
OVER A 12 MONTH PERIOD, AN ESTIMATED
AUSTRALIANS AGED 16-85 EXPERIENCED A MENTAL DISORDER, WHILE
1 IN 7
CHILDREN AGED 4-17 EXPERIENCED A MENTAL ILLNESS
30% OF YOUNG WESTERN AUSTRALIANS AGED 16-24
EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE OR ILLNESS EACH YEAR THE
KIMBERLEY YOUTH IN THE
THE REGION HAS THE HIGHEST HOMELESS POPULATION IN WA
61% OF THIS HOMELESS POPULATION ARE LIVING IN "SEVERLY CROWDED" DWELLINGS
7.2% OF CHILDREN UNDER 15 LIVE BELOW THE 50% POVERTY LINE 93%
RISE IN FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CASES OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS
42% OF CHILDREN IN THE REGION ARE DEVELOPMENTALLY VULNERABLE
COMMON RISK FACTORS
AFFECTING THE REGION
FAMILY DYSFUNCTION AND INSTABILITY
INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA SUBSTANCE ABUSE
REGIONAL AND REMOTE DISADVANTAGE
KIMBERLEY CONNECTED SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Empowering Young People in the Kimberley
Kimberley Connected strengthens school engagement, builds life skills and creates meaningful connection for young people across the region. In communities where attendance remains lower than the state average and access to structured programs is limited, consistent, relationship-based engagement matters.
Using sport as the engagement vehicle, we support students to develop confidence, life skills and a stronger sense of belonging - all within a school-supported framework.
Delivered year-round through an online platform, the program provides flexible, teacher-led workshops that are accessible across remote communities. Participation is linked to school attendance and positive behaviour, reinforcing accountability and rewarding commitment through the opportunity to attend the Kimberley 9s Carnival.
“Engaging with young people during the AFL 9's gives young people a positive impression of police”
WAPOL OFFICER
Workshops are created from teacher feedback confirming key concerns in the region that improve long-term outcomes, including:
• Cultural identity and connection
• Sustainability and Caring for Country
• Nutrition and healthy choices
• Digital safety
Each session is designed to strengthen engagement, build skills and expand students’ sense of possibility.
“The engagement programs were all great. The support staff were fantastic with the students”
TEACHER, ST MARY’S
A highlight of the year is the Fuel to Play menu creation, where students learn about healthy food choices and submit their menus, that are then used by top Perth chefs to create a three-course dining experience in Broome. For many students, this is their first formal dining setting. Beyond food education, it builds social confidence, pride and exposure to new environments and career pathways. Scan the QR code to learn more about Kimberley Connected.
“The relationships built with the young people and partners of Purple Hands is lasting and I have loved every minute of my involvement”
WAPOL OFFICER
The Connection to Culture workshop also remains central, with student artwork forming the official Kimberley 9s Carnival t-shirt - fostering identity, pride and community spirit.
With over 65% of Kimberley schools engaged, Kimberley Connected continues to expand in reach and depth.
Teachers report high levels of student engagement and learning. With overall satisfaction at a high of 78%. Workshops are sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability, identity and wellbeing that extend beyond the classroom.
Kimberley Connected is more than a program. It is a pathway - reinforcing that effort, attendance and positive choices create opportunity.
In 2024, we deepened our partnership with Containers for Change to deliver the Caring for Country workshop, teaching students about sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility. Teachers have seen first-hand how these lessons spark real conversations. One educator from Wangkatjungka Remote Community School noted that the sessions led to powerful discussions about littering, waste management, and caring for the land.
Another unforgettable moment came from the Fuel to Play workshop. This initiative taught students about nutrition, fresh food, and meal preparation, culminating in a three-course dining experience under the stars in Broome brought to life by the WA Good Food Guide and Chef Stephen from Heyder & Shears. For many students, this was their first-ever formal dining experience - a moment of excitement, pride, and personal growth. It wasn’t just about food - it was about building confidence in new social settings, teamwork, and understanding the value of healthy choices.
With 65% of Kimberley schools already engaged, our goal is to expand the program even further. We’re collaborating with the Department of Education to introduce new workshops on mental health, leadership, resilience, and digital safety - ensuring students gain critical skills that help them navigate life beyond the classroom.
The impact of Kimberley Connected is real and lasting - but we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can reach more schools, engage more young people, and create more lifechanging opportunities. Whether as a sponsor, donor, or partner, your investment will help empower the next generation, ensuring every young person in the Kimberley has the support, skills, and opportunities they deserve.
Together, we can extend a hand to those who need it most, because no young person should be left behind.
KIMBERLEY 9 s
The Kimberley 9s AFL Carnival is the culminating experience of a year-long engagement journey for young people across the region. It brings together students who have demonstrated commitment to school attendance, positive behaviour and participation - reinforcing that effort leads to opportunity.
In 2025, the carnival welcomed 492 students for two days of structured competition, learning and connection – a 15% increase on 2024. While football is the drawcard, the true purpose of Kimberley 9s is to build confidence, strengthen relationships and create moments that shape how young people see themselves and their futures.
Kimberley 9s is intentionally designed as more than a sporting event. Embedded workshops focus on emotional regulation, wellbeing, healthy choices, sustainability and respect - providing students with practical skills they can apply beyond the carnival.
The Inclusion Field remains a cornerstone of the event. Delivered in partnership with the WA All Abilities Football Association, it ensures young people of all abilities can participate fully, experience success and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Positive adult relationships are central to the carnival experience. WA Police continue as a major partner, contributing both funding and active participation on the ground. By playing, umpiring and mentoring alongside students, officers help break down barriers and foster trust in a positive, informal environment.
The presence of Fremantle Dockers players Michael Frederick, Bailey Banfield, Holly Egan and Patrick Voss added further impact, showing students what dedication, resilience and leadership look like in action. These interactions leave lasting impressions that extend well beyond the final siren.
“Making a lot of friends and getting to know the footy players”
STUDENT, WANANAMI RCS
“I honestly wish I could do it again, I had a blast”
STUDENT, BROOME NORTH PS
Scan the
code
QR
to watch the 2025 Kimberley 9s wrap video.
In 2025, a Cultural learning session was introduced for all travelling students that explored Countries across the Kimberley and provided a sense of pride
And this year, thanks to Programmed, hip hop star Flewnt attended and provided some incredible entertainment for the students involved. Flewnt also joined us with Broome PCYC for a Hip Hop workshop (and free hair cuts!) for all travelling schools and local Broome young people.
Supported by the Broome community and partner organisations, the event demonstrated what is possible when shared purpose drives collective action.
Kimberley 9s is not just an event on the calendar. It is recognition of effort It is connection to community. It is a powerful reminder that young people in the Kimberley are capable, valued and deserving of opportunity.
Together, we continue to build pathways that support confidence, resilience and long-term positive outcomes.
Our Major partners include:
• WA Police: funding, event set up, umpiring and interacting with students
• Containers for Change: funding, delivering in school 'caring for country' workshops and interactive workshops at the carnival and volunteering
• Goodeve Foundation: funding
• Kimberley Regional Service Providers: funding, equipment and logistical support and volunteers
• Shire of Broome: funding and logistical support
• DP World: transported all of the equipment from Perth to Broome
• Kimberley Marine Support Base: funding
• Variety Children’s Charity: funding partner of Student Dining experience
• Programmed: providing carnival assistance, Flewnt, equipment, and volunteers
We are also so grateful to the following organisations:
• WA All Abilities Football Association: for running inclusive football games at the carnival and volunteering across the two days
• Garnduwa and WA Football: for providing carnival assistance and volunteers
• Broome PCYC: supporting with accommodation and providing caterng for all travelling students
• Cable Beach Club Resort: providing accommodation
• Woolworths: providing student catering
• Broome Surf Life Saving Club: venue and equipment
• Safestyle sunglasses: providing sunglasses for all students and volunteers
• SEDA Group: student volunteer cohort
• Bankwest: student giveaways
• RAC: student Giveaways
• Curtin: research team and student giveaways
Special thanks to;
• The Good Food Guide and Chef Jas and the team from Heyder & Shears for once again bringing the student dining experience to life.
Thank you also to our wonderful workshop providers who kept the students entertained and learning in between games:
• Containers for Change: learning techniques for waste reduction and recycling
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) and Broome Headspace: promoting education and awareness of mental health strategies and anger management
• Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Services: “Be SmartDon’t Start” message, promoting anti-smoking and antivaping messages
• Alive & Kicking Goals: leadership, teamwork and antibullying techniques
• Broome Youth and Families Hub: cultural learning and pride session
GOALS aHEAD
PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING AND EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
GOALS AHEAD
98% of young Australians report experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression at least once in the past year. As pressures on young people continuing to rise, early intervention remains critical - and that is exactly where Goals aHead makes a difference.
Delivered in partnership with youth mental health organisation Youth Focus, Goals aHead is an eight-week program supporting Year 8 and 9 students to strengthen their mental well-being through a powerful combination of physical activity and practical mental health education. Youth Focus’ expertise ensures students are not only learning about mental health but developing real-world strategies they can apply in their everyday lives.
With the strong support of major partner AKG, Goals aHead delivered 807 workshops across multiple schools this year, responding to strong and sustained demand for youth mental health support. The continued scale of delivery reflects the program’s proven impact - equipping students with tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop lifelong coping strategies.
A defining strength of Goals aHead is its accessibility and relatability. By combining movement-based activities with storytelling and lived experiences shared by AFL and AFLW players, the program creates safe spaces for open conversations around emotional regulation, stress, and resilience. Students experience firsthand the well-established link between physical activity and improved mental health, reinforcing positive habits that extend beyond the classroom.
Beyond mental health literacy, the program fosters essential life skills including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Students build confidence, strengthen peer connections, and learn how to support one another - helping reduce stigma and normalise conversations about well-being within their school communities.
As demand continues to grow, so does our commitment to ensuring young people have access to early, meaningful mental health support. By intervening early and equipping students with practical strategies, Goals aHead is helping shape a future where every young person has the confidence, skills, and support network to thrive.
Now more than ever, youth mental health requires action - and through Goals aHead, we are continuing to create measurable, lasting impact.
TESTIMONIALS
“Thanks so much for all the time and effort put into our community. It's made a huge difference”
TEACHER, SAFETY BAY SENIOR HIGH
“Loved the linking of mental health with aspects of sport. Thought it made things really relatable for our students. They loved the ball skills as well after. It was a really fun learning session!”
TEACHER, PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Major Partner
Delivery Partner
DISABILITY INCLUSION
Championing inclusion through football
In 2025, our WA All Abilities initiatives continued to expand, creating more opportunities for young people of all abilities to participate, belong and thrive through football.
The annual Starkick Gala Day once again brought together 160 children for a day of modified AFL in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Delivered in collaboration with WA All Abilities Football Association, SEDA Group and supported by volunteers and community partners, the event focused on skill development, teamwork and building confidence.
In 2025, the partnership expanded reach by also delivering a dedicated Starkick Schools Day ensuring more participants could engage in structured, accessible football experiences. This saw over 260 school students attend the carnival, some on their very first excursion.
Starkick participants were also given the unforgettable opportunity to take the field at half time as Auskickers during the Purple Hands Foundations Fremantle Dockers home game day, showcasing their skills in front of a packed stadium and celebrating their place within the football community.
In the Kimberley, inclusion remained front and centre, with 110 All-Abilities students participating in the Kimberley 9s Carnival - reinforcing our commitment to ensuring regional and remote young people have access to meaningful sporting opportunities.
A powerful highlight of the year was the “Hand in Hand – Crossing for Inclusion” event across Matagarup Bridge. Led by Australian of the Year Neale Daniher, the crossing brought together participants, families, partner organisations and the broader community in a visible show of unity and shared purpose. The event symbolised what our All Abilities work stands for - breaking down barriers, working side by side, and ensuring sport is accessible to everyone.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate that inclusion is not a one-day event - it is a sustained commitment. Through strong partnerships and community leadership, we strive to create environments where every young person, regardless of ability, can experience the joy, confidence and connection that football provides.
“These events highlight the importance of inclusion and create opportunities for people of All Abilities to come together through football. As a result, more people with disability can build confidence, friendships and lasting community connections.
HAYDEN MARCHETTO, EXECUTIVE OFFICER WAAAFA
INTERCEPT
EARLY INTERVENTION THROUGH CONNECTION
INTERCEPT EARLY INTERVENTION THROUGH CONNECTION
Intercept is Purple Hands’ targeted earlyintervention program supporting young people at risk of disengagement from school and involvement with the justice system. Delivered in two 10-week cohorts across the City of Cockburn and City of Fremantle in 2025, the program engaged 69 participants in structured, Thursday evening sessions designed to build connection, confidence and accountability.
Funded by the Australian Government, Intercept uses sport as a vehicle to break down barriers and connect young people with positive role models including police officers, coaches and community leaders. To remove practical barriers to participation, transport to and from the program is provided - ensuring access is not limited by circumstance.
MEASURABLE IMPACT
BECAUSE OF INTERCEPT
89% FELT LIKE THEY BELONGED
88% FELT SUPPORTED AND RESPECTED
86% ENJOYED WORKING WITH OTHERS
85% SET FUTURE GOALS OR ENDEAVOURS
NET PROMOTER SCORE
83% LEARNT NEW SKILLS
78% HAVE INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Well-being indicators were also encouraging:
• 75% felt happy about their life
• 75% felt hopeful about their future
• 67% felt good about themselves
• 78% increased their physical activity
These outcomes reflect strengthened self-belief, improved problem-solving skills and greater connection to positive support networks - key protective factors against disengagement and anti-social behaviour.
LOOKING AHEAD
With strong referral partnerships across government, schools and local councils, demand for Intercept continues to grow. In 2026, our focus is to increase attendance, expand referral pathways and deepen impact - ensuring more young people have access to consistent support, strong role models and a pathway toward positive life choices.
Intercept is not just a program; it is a coordinated community response to early risk. By meeting young people where they are and surrounding them with belief, structure and opportunity, we are helping change trajectories before patterns become permanent.
PURPLE HANDS GAME DAY
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Purple Hands Game Day was once again a powerful demonstration of what community can achieve together. Held in partnership with the Fremantle Dockers, the event brought members and supporters together to raise more than $57,000 in direct support of our programs.
On the day, fans showed their support by donating or purchasing light-up wristbands, with every dollar contributing to the delivery of Purple Hands programs across Western Australia. These funds are critical in ensuring our programs remain free for young people and schools, removing financial barriers and expanding access to those who need support most.
More importantly than the vital funds, it creates an opportunity for the Freo Family to connect with their Club’s foundation, and learn more about the impact it has.
The success of Game Day reflects the strength of the Fremantle community and the shared commitment to backing young people. Every contribution - large or small - helps create opportunity, connection and belonging for participants across our programs.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Fremantle Dockers, their members and fans for their ongoing support and belief in our mission.
If you would like to support our programs, please scan the QR code to make a tax deductible donation.
SPORT, BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Keeping students engaged in education is one of the greatest challenges faced today. Traditional classrooms don’t always connect learning to future pathways, and without handson experience, many young people struggle to see the relevance of their studies. The Sport, Business and Leadership program addresses this gap, combining practical experience, leadership development, and exposure to the professional world of sport.
Now in its fourth year, this 12-month dual diploma program is delivered collaboratively by the Purple Hands Foundation, SEDA Group, and the Fremantle Dockers. Students engage in workshops, mentoring sessions, and real-world projects designed to build leadership, business skills, and confidence while creating meaningful community impact.
Over the course of the year, students participated in 38 interactive workshops led by Fremantle Dockers players, coaches, executives, and community partners, gaining insights into highperformance sport, event management, and business operations. They also took part in wellbeing sessions focused on mental health, physical wellbeing, and resilience in elite environments.
Student-Led Projects 2025
A key highlight of the program is the opportunity for students to design, plan, and deliver their own projects. This year, participants led four impactful initiatives:
• Kimberley Leadership Workshop: Students delivered leadership training in regional schools, sharing skills and inspiring young people to develop confidence and resilience.
• Storytelling of the Kimberley 9s Tees: Students captured and shared the story of the iconic shirts participants designed and wore, connecting sport to culture and community pride.
• Sporting Equipment Drive for Fairgame: Students coordinated a collection and donation of sporting equipment, supporting young people in need and fostering community generosity.
• Starkick Carnival in the South and Aged Care Engagement: Students ran an all-abilities football carnival and connected with a local aged care home, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and the power of sport to bring diverse communities together.
Impact and Outcomes
The program continues to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to put learning into practice, from event delivery to community engagement. Beyond skill development, participants cultivate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, while contributing tangibly to communities across WA.
The professionalism and commitment of students are consistently recognised: this year’s cohort delivered projects with creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a premier pathway for young people seeking careers in sport, business, and community leadership.
TESTIMONIALS
“Throughout the program, I was able to connect with and learn from people within multiple departments of the club, from the community programs to the medical department. This enabled me to learn not only role specific skills, but also strengthened my interpersonal skills, allowing my transition into work be much easier. From the connections I made throughout the program, I was given many opportunities, from interning to working gamedays in the medical department at Peel. I was fortunate enough to be able to progress into two roles within the club this year, working as a trainer and membership services officer, whilst still being involved with Peel. This program opened doors for me and provided me with not only valuable networks, but mentors that will help me to grow within the industry.”
RUBY-ANNE 2025 GRADUATE
“Purple Hands Foundation is an integral part of the Fremantle Dockers and Purple Hands Foundation Sport, Business and Leadership Program powered by SEDA Group. The workshops, work integrated learning opportunities, and networking experiences provided by the Foundation play a key role in the program’s ongoing success. This partnership offers students a unique opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable insight into careers in sport and business through a meaningful and purpose-led organisation”
LIAM THOMPSON – PROGRAM MANAGER (WA) SEDA GROUP
BANKSIA HILL PILOT
Sport as a connector
In 2025, Purple Hands delivered a three-month pilot program at Banksia Hill Detention Centre, reaching young people in the care of the Department through the power of sport and positive role modelling.
Supported by AFL and AFLW players from the Fremantle Dockers, the program used structured sports drills and shared lived experiences to build trust, respect and connection. Designed as an early engagement initiative, the pilot aimed to use sport as a vehicle for developing life skills and promoting wellbeing among young people in detention.
Sport acts as a powerful connector - creating space for conversations about teamwork, belonging, resilience and leadership to emerge naturally through participation.
The impact of the visits was felt strongly by participants. Young people shared that the opportunity to interact directly with elite athletes created meaningful and motivating moments, reinforcing self-belief and encouraging positive decision-making.
While delivered as a short-term pilot, the program demonstrated the unique role sport can play in breaking down barriers and creating authentic connection in complex environments. It reinforced Purple Hands’ commitment to reaching young people wherever they are - particularly those who may be hardest to engage - and using trusted role models to help influence stronger life choices and future pathways.
GET UP & GOAL
EQUIPPING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE NEURODIVERSE FOR FUTURE CAREERS
In 2024, Get Up and Goal, in partnership with AKG, was launched to address the disproportionately high unemployment rate among Autistic people and young people living with disability. Designed for Years 10 - 12 students, the eight-week program focused on building job-readiness skills including resume writing, interview preparation, career exploration and workplace confidence.
Delivered in two schools, Get Up and Goal achieved a 90% satisfaction rating, with educators reporting noticeable improvements in student confidence and engagement. The program’s flexible and inclusive design ensured it met the diverse needs of participants, providing practical and meaningful preparation for the workforce.
Following a strategic review, it was decided to redirect funding from Get Up and Goal to further expand our Goals aHead mental well-being program. This shift allows us to focus resources on the mental health concerns of young West Australians, strengthening resilience, confidence and emotional regulation skills that underpin long-term life outcomes.
We are proud of the impact Get Up and Goal achieved and will carry its learnings forward as we continue evolving to meet the needs of young people in the most sustainable and impactful way possible.
TESTIMONIALS
“Get up and goal let them aspire to dream but also offered practical skills like being able to handle a job interview, and with your help; you had them looking sharp as well!”
TEACHER
“The students really enjoyed their time with Get up and Goal, they are in year 12 now and have shown a newfound maturity and work-readiness”
TEACHER
FINANCIALS
The Purple Hands Foundation has engaged RSM Australia Pty Ltd to review the Purple Hands Foundation financial statements in line with the ACNC reporting standards.
Below is a preliminary high-level summary of Purple Hands Foundation Limited’s financial position for the 12-month period ending at 31 December 2025.
Comprehensive reviewed financial statements will be published on the ACNC website and on Purple Hands Foundation website when available: www.fremantlefc.com.au/purple-hands/about-us
