2023 Purple Hands Foundation Annual Report

P URPL E HAND S

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Report 2023 f ou n d a t io n • p u r pl e h an d s

Hands Foundation

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Purple Hands Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and skies on which we live and work to connect communities 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.

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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?

A handprint is a powerful symbol that is unique to the individual it belongs to. In ancient times, communities around the world used a painted handprint on a wall to tell their story and make their mark on the world.

‘With the thousands of years that have passed, this simple gesture has turned into a strong message that says, ‘I was here, and I made an impact’.

The long-lasting vision of the Purple Hands Foundation is to translate this same ethos into every program that we deliver. In years to come, when someone walks past a Purple Handprint in the street, they will have been or will have known someone that has been impacted by the genuine connection of the Purple Hands Foundation.

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

TONY GRIST

As we reflect on the progress of the Purple Hands Foundation over the past year, our aim to positively impact the lives of young people, continues to inspire and drive us forward.

Established to create a lasting legacy for future generations, the Purple Hands Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving communities.

In early 2023, under the leadership of Donna Rendell as our inaugural General Manager, we embarked on a strategic review. This pivotal process realigned our priorities and sharpened our focus, ensuring greater efficacy in our efforts.

Our vision remains clear: to create connected WA communities where young people thrive from a sense of belonging and purpose. Guided by this vision, we have directed our actions and initiatives towards tangible impact.

In our second year, the Purple Hands Foundation has continued its mission to help young people overcome barriers to unlock their true potential, by instilling important life skills and behaviours.

In our own backyard, we continued to support young people across the metropolitan area, teaching mental health strategies through our eight-week mental health program, Goals aHead to 140 students.

While our mark extends to the far north-west of Perth, our work across the Kimberley region continues to be a priority with the Kimberley Connected in-schools program reaching more than 750 primary and secondary students throughout the Kimberley. The Kimberley 9’s Carnival brought together 439 students for two full days of football and new experiences with some schools travelling over 12 hours to be a part of this very unique event.

At the second annual Purple Hands Game Day, we proudly showcased our programs, and were grateful for the generous donations from Fremantle members and supporters, helping ensure the sustainability of these crucial programs.

Looking ahead, our commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering, as we extend our reach to diverse communities across Western Australia. Our aim is to ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a brighter and more equitable future.

I extend my deepest appreciation to our partners and supporters. Your belief in our vision fuels our determination to create a legacy that transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of young people across Western Australia. In particular, I acknowledge our first major partner, uLaunch, powered by AKG whose steadfast commitment has been instrumental in our journey.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a special shout out to outgoing Purple Hands Foundation President Dale Alcock for his instrumental contribution, leadership, and vision in the establishment, formation, and launch of the Purple Hands Foundation. I also want to express my gratitude to my fellow Purple Hands Board members for their dedication and collaboration throughout the strategic review process.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the Fremantle Football Club and its staff for all they do to support our work, and to the Purple Hands Foundation team who have worked tirelessly to refine our programs, ensuring that our efforts translate into meaningful impact for those we serve.

Together, let us continue to make a difference in the lives of young people across Western Australia.

Purple Hands Foundation

Annual Report 2023

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT

DONNA RENDELL

Since joining the Purple Hands Foundation in early 2023, the key focus has been to work with internal and external stakeholders to identify where we can have the greatest impact.

Our programs are designed to uplift and empower young Western Australians. We are dedicated to providing support and opportunities to help these young people realise their potential and thrive.

The challenges faced by these young individuals during their formative years are complex and often a combination of various factors such as; economic hardship, physical health, mental health, family dynamics and social support, social isolation, educational disadvantages and limited employment opportunities.

We have seen first-hand how through the power of sport, we are able to engage and connect with young people, break down barriers and provide non-conventional learning that is adapted to suit different learning abilities.

The Purple Hands Foundation programs address key social issues across health and wellbeing, education, leadership and inclusivity. We are focused on early intervention, investing in future generations to create thriving communities.

Our programs teach life skills, promote regular school attendance and keep young people connected and engaged through sports and after-school activities.

Life skills play a fundamental role in fostering personal growth, well-being, self-reliance and successful navigation of life’s challenges and opportunities.

Regular school attendance is essential for a child’s overall development, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and social experiences to thrive in both academic and personal aspects of life.

After-school sports programs encourage teamwork, collaboration and a sense of belonging. They also contribute to improved physical health and overall well-being and offer opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and become active contributors and agents of positive change in their community.

Our long-term goal is to implement systemic change to create sustainable and positive impacts by addressing the root causes of social issues. This requires a shift from short-term thinking to a broader, more strategic perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the system. Therefore, in order to change a system, we recognise that successful initiatives require fostering collective impact through collaboration and partnership across sectors, organisations and communities. It’s also essential that our programs are co-designed with young people and their community as needs may differ from community to community.

We are so grateful to the many organisations and individuals who have shared their wisdom and lived experience, to help the Purple Hands Foundation grow and evolve across the past 12 months. We are looking forward to sharing our progress throughout the year.

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OUR BOARD

OUR PATRONS

His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, and the esteemed Mrs. Darrilyn Dawson became Patrons of Purple Hands Foundation in September 2023.

The Governor’s journey with the Purple Hands Foundation began in 2021, when he played a pivotal role as the WA Police Force Commissioner in launching our Kimberley 9s carnival on Cable Beach in Broome.

Mrs Dawson’s expertise in education, and commitment to rural community development, perfectly aligns with the Purple Hands Foundation’s core belief in education as the cornerstone for nurturing robust and sustainable communities.

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 donation, scan the QR code.

TONY GRIST – CHAIRMAN CRAIG CARTER

GRAEME PARKER

GUY HOUSTON

COLLEEN HAYWARD

HON. CHRIS DAWSON AC APM AND DARRILYN DAWSON

FOUNDING PARTNER MAJOR PARTNER

FUNDING PARTNERS

PROGRAM PARTNERS

SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Bruce Bellinge Tony and Michelle Grist Goodeve Foundation

SENSORY ROOM AT OPTUS STADIUM

individuals and their families accessed the room, including families that attended a football game for the first time

user rating for effectiveness of the room of users would recommend the room to others intend to utilise the room in the 2024 season

participants in Starkick Gala Day

community members participated in Hand in HandCrossing for Inclusion

48 Starkickers, from 18 Clubs played in half time kick-to-kick

All Abilities students participated in Kimberley 9s Inclusion Carnival

DIVERSION PROGRAM

satisfaction rating from all participants

of participants said they now had a positive relationship with police

students participated

increase in participants’ knowledge of mental health support networks and services

decrease in participants stigmatised mental health opinions

increase in participants confidence, in relating to and supporting their peers

students graduated with Dual Diploma in 2023

presented by Purple Hands & FFC

work experience hours throughout Events, Community, Purple Hands Foundation & NGA casual contracts awarded for FFC employment

students from across the Kimberley participated in Kimberley Connected Workshops

students participated in the Kimberley 9s Carnival

One in seven Australian’s aged 4 to 17 years experience a mental health condition in any given year. 1

One in 13 Australians aged 12 to 17 years will seriously consider a suicide attempt, and one in 40 will attempt suicide. ²

One in 10 Australians aged 12 to 17 years will self-harm. ²

WA has the second highest rate of youth suicide in the country. ³

Low education levels lead to poor lifelong health and wellbeing outcomes, particularly for at-risk groups and those living in rural and remote communities. 4

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• Lower school attendance rates than for non Indigenous students (82% compared to 92%). 7

Annual Report 2023

The lack of accessible, effective and comprehensive service delivery to rural and remote WA leads to poor outcomes and cycles of disadvantage. 5

One in five children born in Fitzroy Crossing has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). 6

WA has the second highest level of first nations incarceration in Australia. 8

36% of WA youth in detention were diagnosed with FASD. 9

5 Rural and remote health - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au) 6 Prevalence and profile of Neurodevelopment and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) amongst Australian Aboriginal children living in remote communities — the UWA Profiles and Research Repository. 7 School Attendance | Closing The Gap (niaa.gov.au). 8 Prisoners in Australia, 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au) 9 Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and youth justice: a prevalence study among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia — the UWA Profiles and Research Repository

Purple

Youth mental health issues are rising at an alarming rate in Australia. Goals aHead is a mental health program specifically designed for year 8 and 9 students and targets Perth metropolitan schools from low socioeconomic areas and those schools that have identified mental health as a key issue.

Goals aHead is designed to educate and empower young people to develop their understanding of mental health issues, engaging them in meaningful conversations to eliminate stigma, develop resilience to cope in the future, and increase help-seeking behaviours.

The workshops provide skills and resources to navigate signs of ill-health within themselves and their peers, which is essential as adolescents are more likely to talk to their friends when they are struggling.

Made possible by our major partner uLaunch, powered by Angus Knight and delivered in collaboration with mental health provider zero2hero, the 8-week in-depth program combines physical activity with classroombased learning, making it interactive and practical to maximise student engagement and impact.

In 2023, Fremantle players and Goals aHead Ambassadors Alex Pearce, Emma O’Driscoll, Travis Colyer, and Aine Tighe provided an insight into their mental health journeys to break down barriers with participants.

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN 2023

TEACHER FEEDBACK

”It has been our pleasure to have Goals aHead in our school twice now… The students develop relationships with the facilitators quickly and their level of engagement and participation has astounded us. This is a program that has really been properly aimed at its demographic and addresses issues real to them…and it works….”

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FEEDBACK FROM THE MOTHER OF A YEAR 8 PARTICIPANT:

“My daughter took part in this program in 2023. In 2023 she was diagnosed ADHD and Autism. Although she is high functioning, her struggles are with peers, social situations, group work and self-confidence, and now the added pressure of dealing with her diagnoses.

During the program, she came home more positive, and had more to tell me about her day. That was paramount to her positive thoughts of her day, which is normally quite sombre.

We would most certainly recommend this program to anyone. I feel it would benefit not only students with additional needs, but students that are in need of positive mentors, have mental health struggles, or need relationship and leadership skills.

What I found most important about this program was how inclusive it was to any student, regardless of ability or culture.

The initiative is fantastic and so needed. It certainly made a difference to my child, our family and I’m sure many others."

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One in seven Australian’s aged 4 to 17 years’ experience a mental health condition in any given year. 1

The most common disorders for students are ADHD (7.4%), followed by anxiety disorders (6.9%), and major depressive disorder (2.8%) 3

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth have significantly higher rates of suicide compared to non-Indigenous youth. 2

Year 9 students with a mental health disorder are on average 1.5 to 2.8 years developmentally behind students with no disorder. 4

1 Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., et al. (2015). The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. Report on the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Department of Health, Canberra. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)

2 Suicide among First Nations people - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)

3 summarybookletweb.pdf (telethonkids.org.au) Prevalence of mental disorders (telethonkids.org.au)

4 https://youngmindsmatter.telethonkids.org.au/siteassets/media-docs---young-minds-matter/summarybookletweb.pdf

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Purple Hands Foundation

KIMBERLEY CONNECTED

Kimberley Connected is a year-round, schools-based program for primary and secondary school students that encourages school attendance and educates students on positive health, wellbeing and life choices.

In term four, students are selected by their school to take part in the Kimberley 9s Carnival as a reward for good school attendance, workshop engagement and positive behaviour over the course of the year. Kimberley 9s is an interschool AFL football carnival held on Cable Beach where schools play against each other in a round robin carnival.

The unique nature of the Kimberley 9s Carnival sees WA Police Officers playing, umpiring and assisting in event logistics. Through genuine engagement, officers are seen as more than just a blue uniform, and rather as real people that students can trust.

Over the course of each school year, schools have access to a range of digital workshops, featuring Fremantle Dockers players and football staff. The content is determined by school feedback on current hot topics and curriculum subjects, with teacher resources and worksheets provided to assist the teacher in lesson planning.

Schools also received a six-week football development program focusing on the development of fundamental football skills and understanding of the rules and requirements to participate in the Kimberley 9s Carnival and local sport.

Each year as part of the Cultural Awareness and Storytelling workshop, students are invited to design a t-shirt that captures their connection to where they are from. The best designs are selected as the playing t-shirts for the Kimberley 9s carnival – one design for primary students and one for secondary.

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The Fuel to Play workshop reinforces how good food choices and good nutrition fuel the body and mind. New for 2023, we asked students to design a menu featuring native ingredients. WA Good Food Guide then enlisted renowned WA chefs Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker), Rohan Park (Old Young’s), and Stephen Watson (Heyder & Shears) to craft a three-course dining experience for 170 students who travelled to Broome and stayed overnight. All three chefs volunteered their time to create this unique culinary experience. The meal took place under the stars at Cable Beach and was supported by Pardoo Wagyu, Linley Valley Pork and Craig Mostyn Group who provided the ingredients and equipment to help make this special event happen.

Director of WA Good Food Guide Georgia Moore said “In our eight years of producing dinners… this was by far the most unique, special, and the most rewarding”

In 2023 we also partnered with Containers 4 Change to deliver a Caring for Country workshop, focused on environmental awareness and initiatives focused on land care and recycling to connect and respect country. The generosity of Containers 4 Change also helped with travelling expenses for remote schools including accommodation and meals.

For the second year, the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service delivered Safe Choices workshops for secondary students attending the carnival, tackling smoking and vaping, drugs and alcohol use, sexual health and safe body choices.

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Purple Hands Foundation

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Health and wellbeing information to help students make good choices for their body and develop confidence and self-esteem.

• Understand impact of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol and drug use.

• Learn how to play football and make new friends playing the game against other schools.

• Remove barriers by covering the costs of accommodation and meals for participants from remote and regional community schools.

• Develop relationships with WA Police Officers

• 49% of the Kimberley population identify as Aboriginal with 60% living below the poverty line and one eighth homeless. ¹

Indigenous children between the ages of five and 17 die by suicide at five times the rate of non-Indigenous children.²

School attendance in the Kimberley is below 39%.³

WA Police statistics indicate that crime rates in towns such as Halls Creek and Derby have almost doubled over a 10-year period.4

WA has the highest level of First Nations incarceration in Australia. 4

1 Kimberley-regional-profile-2022.pdf (health. wa.gov.au)

2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy, 2020 - 2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)

3 Grave concerns over collapse of school attendance r... | NIT

4

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Teachers surveyed highlighted the key challenges faced by young people in the Kimberley region as being isolation, lack of safe spaces, alcohol and crime influences, and inability to attend and engage with school and education pathways.

Feedback regarding the relevance of the workshops was very positive, highlighting that the content was effectively tied in with the curriculum. The teacher resources also allowed teachers to the workshops without adding extra workload.

One teacher said: “It was beautifully tied into what the kids have already been doing for many years before I worked at this school….it was well developed for a teacher…. Sometimes when you're a teacher, you get given resources, and they seem too overwhelmingly detailed and there’s too many things going on in one resource. But this was simple and easy to get across.”

Another teacher quoted: “They loved the t-shirt design. I plan to integrate the Care for Country into Year 4 Science next year as it links with their learning outcomes. Kids loved the footy skills activities I did with the Year 5/6’s as part of their AFL unit.”

As part of the evaluation process, Curtin University interviewed participating schools and WA Police, and received insightful feedback on the workshops, Kimberley 9s Carnival and its social benefits. All interviewees expressed a wish to see the program continue and be developed further. The Kimberley 9s was perceived as helping to enhance the relationship between police and young people, either via strengthening the pre-existing relationship in remote communities or via developing stronger relationships in Broome. Additional to that element of the program, sport was seen as a great way of increasing interactions and involvements, and there were numerous reports of comfort being created for young people because of police being able to see them in a different light. One police officer commented:

Another teacher said “They see us in a different light. They don't see us in uniform. They see us engaging with kids not only from their communities, but other communities.”

Purple Hands Foundation

KIMBERLEY 9S CARNIVAL

With a breathtaking view of Cable Beach, the Purple Hands Foundation and the Fremantle Dockers, with the support of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), unleashed a spectacle of sport, community, and inclusion with the Kimberley 9s Carnival.

This marquee event, now a beacon of hope and excitement for the third year running, drew together a tapestry of young lives - 439 students from 16 primary schools and nine secondary schools - under the Kimberley sun for two transformative days of football frenzy and enriching health workshops.

The inclusion field, a heart-warming addition by WA All Abilities Football Association and the WA Football Commission’s Starkick program, became a haven of triumphs for 55 students. Their radiant smiles spoke volumes, echoing the Purple Hands Foundation’s commitment to no young person being left behind.

The Fremantle Dockers own Josh Corbett, Conrad Williams, and Mikayla Morrison brought star power to Broome, mingling with the kids across both eventful days, culminating in an autograph session that will be etched in young hearts for years to come.

Corbett, soaking in his maiden voyage to Broome, was spellbound by the idyllic setting - the beautiful beach, the expansive sandy fields - and the raw, untapped talent of Kimberley’s youth. His words “It doesn’t get much better on Cable Beach,” resonated with the spirit of the carnival, a space where natural talent steps up, and even seasoned players learn new tricks from the exuberant youths.

The partnership with WA Police, was a bridge of camaraderie and mentorship. The officers, trading uniforms for coach’s whistles, not only shared the game but also shaped the students with a vision of safe, supportive community pillars.

Senior Sergeant Courtney Solly’s reflection on the event as “a magnificent opportunity” highlights the profound impact these shared experiences have on weaving a fabric of trust and respect between the police force and Kimberley’s vibrant youth.

The Kimberley 9s Carnival was not just a logistical feat, made possible by the generous heartbeats of WA businesses and volunteers; it was a symphony of community effort, echoing the belief that unity can spawn wonders. From Holdfast’s nourishing BBQ to Safe Style’s 600 pairs of sunglasses that shaded youthful visions, and zero2hero’s chill out zone, every contribution was a thread in this tapestry.

Thank you to the Fremantle Football Club, Garnduwa, the Western Australia Football Commission and our very own SEDA students and teachers who volunteered across both days and even acted as wait staff at the student dining experience.

A special thank you to DP World who transported all the equipment more than 2000kms from Cockburn to Cable Beach, and Containers for Change for assisting with travel and accommodation costs for schools and providing fun sustainability activities and giveaways across both days. And as the sun dipped, marking the end of day two, Able Electricals’ stakeholder sundowner at Broome Surf Life Saving Club, was not just a gathering but a celebration of community, sustainability, and resilience. The Shire of Broome’s endorsement, through the words of President Harold Tracey, recognised the Kimberley 9s program as a critical intervention in a region grappling with the challenges of youth crime and substance abuse. It was an initiative that brought more than just footy to the field; it brought hope, engagement, and a new direction for the youth.

Teachers, the silent heroes in the trenches of education, saw a transformation. The carnival was not just a diversion but a catalyst, turning school from a routine to a runway for dreams. It fostered resilience, sparked enthusiasm for learning, and most importantly, it was “extremely exciting, and more motivating” for the students, as one teacher put it. It was an event that transcended footy; it was a lifeline to a brighter, more engaged future for Kimberley’s youth and a demonstration of what can be achieved when hearts unite for the greater good of our young people.

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TEACHER FEEDBACK:

“Thanks for a great carnival, I love the fact that it is based on fun and participation, no medals or scoring…providing accommodation and meals makes it very accessible. We wouldn’t have been able to attend if it wasn’t for this.” (Teacher 1)

“The kids became more engaged and attentive in school and also experienced opportunities to build resilience and communication skills as a result of interactions with young people from different schools at the program.” (Teacher 2)

“In the last few months, my students have been extremely excited, more motivated, to come to school and class, because they know that there’s this treat waiting for them.” (Teacher 3)

“It’s been really beneficial. We’ve noticed that they’re actually listening and they’re taking in what we’ve been saying, or what we’ve been practising in school... we don’t have to remind them to not go over the line, they just know that innately.” (Teacher 4)

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Annual Report 2023

PURPLE HANDS FOUNDATION GAME

The second annual Purple Hands Foundation Game, hosted by the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium, was a significant event with Fremantle members generously donating $38,000 to support youth empowerment in Western Australia.

It was also an opportunity to showcase the varied programs and initiatives the Purple Hands Foundation delivers to young people across the community, including Kimberley Connected, Goals aHead, Intercept youth diversion after school program and the Sensory Room initiative at Optus Stadium, all contributing to the wellbeing of young people in our community.

HAND IN HAND CROSSING FOR INCLUSION EVENT

Prior to the Purple Hands Foundation Game in round 17, more than 1000 members of the community participated in the Hand in Hand Crossing for Inclusion initiative.

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer of WA All Abilities Football Association said “our shared vision remains steadfast: every person, regardless of their circumstances, challenges, or location, deserves the opportunity to be included, supported, and welcomed in our sport and in our communities. By working hand in hand, we can create a society where everyone feels valued and welcome.”

The event started from the west end of Matagarup Bridge, and then crossed the bridge to Optus Stadium prior to the game

After the crossing, 48 Starkickers from 18 clubs, took to the Optus Stadium field and played the half time match.

Rob Geerson, Starkick Coordinator and Inclusion Specialist at WA Football Commission said “the Inaugural Crossing for Inclusion was such an amazing day, where in partnership with the Purple Hands Foundation we were able to put a spotlight on disability and inclusion. Not just for Western Australia, but for the entire country. To then have 48 Starkick players, out on Optus Stadium at half time, some from as far as Albany, some using wheelchairs, some with sensory issues, some using Auslan but all being cheered, getting high 5’s, and being celebrated for who they are, that was a moment those children and their families will never forget.”

One mother of a Starkick participant confirmed “It’s the most positive part of his life, it’s a place where he really is just a part of the team”.

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Intercept is a youth engagement program designed to reduce antisocial behaviour and youth-related crime. It combines weekly football sessions for young people aged 12-16 with supper club discussions on topics such as school attendance, actions and consequences, respect, education and career opportunities.

Delivered in partnership with Cockburn Police, Fremantle Football Club, and the City of Cockburn, Intercept fosters trust between local police officers and young participants while developing confidence, team work and leadership skills. Some participants have also gone on to join their local community football team.

The program has made significant strides in fostering positive relationships between the young people and local police officers. Participants were surveyed and the program showed excellent outcomes across all areas. All participants rated their enjoyment level high (5 out of 5) and expressed that they would remain in the program should it continue. When asked about whether they had developed a positive relationship with the police officers, all participants again rated this at the highest level. Additional feedback included participants appreciation for the FFC players involvement, and some participants felt that the program length could be extended. Overall, the young people were actively engaged through the mentoring opportunities, and the participant feedback highlights the program’s impact and effectiveness.

Quote from police officer that participated: “It creates a platform where youth at risk will normally not have any good/positive interaction with police. Police get seen in a different light for the first time by these youth. It also creates the sense of belonging for these kids. They also learn good values and build relationships with police, sports people and role models. It helps open their eyes to see that there is so much more possibility in their future”

Purple Hands Foundation

SENSORY ROOM AT OPTUS STADIUM

The Purple Hands Foundation Sensory Room provided an opportunity for individuals with a disability and/or sensory needs to access a quiet space during Fremantle Dockers home games at Optus Stadium across the 2023 season.

This was particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing disorders.

Created in collaboration with the Autism Association of WA and made possible by our major partner uLaunch, powered by AKG, the Sensory Room is tailored for comfort and calm. It featured soft lighting, private booths, cosy bean bags, noise-cancelling headphones and activities that engage the senses with the Autism Association of WA expertly staffing the room, offering support and maintaining a safe environment for all.

A total of 123 individuals and their families, including 20 returning visitors, made the most of the room across the season. For some, it was their very first football match, highlighting the importance of having a tranquil space away from the bustling stadium crowds.

Purple Hands Foundation also provided sensory bags filled with noise-cancelling headphones and sensory toys for fans to take back to their seats.

As a result of the successful pilot and the positive feedback from Fremantle Dockers supporters, Optus Stadium and the WA State Government have committed to making the Sensory Room a permanent space in 2024.

Located near aisle 149 at Optus Stadium, the Sensory Room will be open before each game starts, allowing families to get comfortable with the space ahead of time.

Prior registration is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, to manage the space, however, walk ins are also welcome.

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IMPACT

When surveyed, users of the Sensory Room rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 when asked about the effectiveness of the room in reducing sensory overload during games.

Similarly, an average of 4.2 out of 5 was given when asked to rate the impact the Sensory Room has had on user’s ability to attend games and engage with fellow fans.

100% of users would recommend the room to others, and 80% intended to attend the room in the 2024 season.

SENSORY ROOM USER FEEDBACK

“It was so good to have a space where we could take my son when we otherwise would have had to leave the stadium. Suddenly makes attending the football an option”

“Loved the option to use the room if needed and the security it offered”

“A wonderful initiative”

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TOGETHER WE PLAY: THE DRIVE FOR INCLUSIVE SPORTS

WA All Abilities, Starkick, the Fremantle Dockers and Purple Hands Foundation have a shared vision, “If you want to play, we will find a way”.

Rob Geerson, Starkick Coordinator and Inclusion Specialist at WA Football Commission shared that “the partnership with the Purple Hands Foundation has been game changing for our Starkick All Abilities program. The opportunities provided have seen some amazing outcomes for not only the children but also the wider community. Through the partnership, we have been able to showcase that disability is not a barrier for participation in football”.

“This year we showcased Starkick players at half time at the Purple Hands round on Optus Stadium, welcomed hundreds of children with a disability to play footy at the Hand in Hand Gala Day and added the new inclusive element to the Kimberley 9s. Together we are continuing to open those doors a little bit wider, so everyone in our community can be a part of our great game”.

HAND IN HAND GALA DAY

The Hand in Hand Gala Day held at the Fremantle Dockers headquarters in July welcomed more than 200 children with mixed abilities to play a modified version of AFL and a fully integrated fixture of football for adults.

Hayden Marchetto, Executive Officer of WA All Abilities said, “The opportunity to play sport is so important in the community and we want footy to lead the way, hopefully we are showcasing that at this event”.

Emma Pass, former PHF Operations Manager said “parents seeing their kids being included and playing among their peers brings a lot of smiles, and that’s really heart-warming. The buzz that the integrated team get out of running through a guard of honour, high fiving the mascots and hearing people cheer for them, giving them their moment, it’s magical, plus young Starkick players seeing their adult counterparts playing football shows there’s a pathway for them, which is what we want to showcase”

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SPORT, BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

For the second year, the Purple Hands Foundation, SEDA Group, and the Fremantle Football Club delivered its Sport, Business and Leadership program, where students gain hands-on experience in sports and administration where students gain hands-on experience in sports, business and leadership, alongside industry experts.

The 12-month dual diploma included 36 workshops from Fremantle Dockers executives, players, assistant coaches and administration staff. They also gain experience working across community programs and game day events, increasing their employment potential. The high standards of the students led to five casual contracts within the Club.

SEDA Program Facilitator Jeffrey Giles said “with learning modules and projects framed by the football and business aspects of the Purple Hands Foundation and Fremantle Football Club, students learn in a real-world environment. Alongside the theoretical knowledge gained, students are challenged to develop holistically in line with the values of the SEDA Group, Purple Hands and the Fremantle Dockers.”

Access to high-calibre facilities and training insights enriched students’ educational journey, successfully preparing them for sports industry careers.

“The applied learning environment, access to workshops, delivery of projects covering a range of deliverables, volunteering and paid opportunities as well as building lifelong learning skills in a range of meaningful ways, allows the program to succeed and provides students with fantastic employment opportunities within the Sport and Business sector moving forward” said SEDA Stakeholder Engagement Manager Liam Thompson.

Purple Hands Foundation

Annual Report 2023

“Having the opportunity to learn about different roles within an elite sporting organisation was the most beneficial part for my professional development. Listening and gaining insight into staff members’ experience, journeys and taking onboard advice they had to give. Applying our knowledge in real-life situations, such as planning major projects and completing practical placements within the football club were the most valuable experiences that I had access to during the course. I would absolutely recommend the course to others. The course provides a perfect blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, making it ideal for anyone passionate about a career in the sporting industry. The partnership between Purple Hands Foundation and SEDA provided me with real-life experiences that allowed me to discover my passion within the AFL circle. Through the program, I connected with many like-minded individuals in the industry, forming valuable relationships that have been instrumental in my journey.”

Jye Connachan – previous SEDA student, now working as Data Analyst for WAFL, at FFC

“I found my confidence and ability to approach people and start conversations with people that I had never met before had improved greatly. The most valuable experience I had while in the diploma course was without a doubt the opportunity to go to Broome for the Kimberley 9s Carnival. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone. I believe it opens doors and gives experiences that you cannot get anywhere else.”

Dual Dip. Graduate, Chris Samuels

Purple Hands Foundation

FOUN D ATION

Annual Report 2023

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 high-level summary of Purple Hands Foundation Limited’s financial position as at 31 December 2023. This period covers 14 months due to a change in the financial reporting period to align with the calendar year. Comprehensive reviewed financial statements will be published on the ACNC website.

Note the above 2022 revenue includes a one-off funding contribution of $400,000 from Fremantle Football Club. Full revenue breakdown as per below.

As a registered charity, the Purple Hands Foundation relies on the generosity of the Western Australian community to sustain and grow its programs. Please scan the QR code on the next page to make a donation.