David Wirrpanda is using his profile as a top
West Coast Eagles player to help Pilbara kids


Local children enjoyed the official launch of
the Wirrpanda Foundation

With names like Wirra Club, Reclaim the Night, Roebourne Girls’ Group and On My Way, you could be mistaken for thinking we’re talking about a series of Broadway stage productions.

What this is really about is a national sporting hero and Pilbara Iron helping out the Pilbara’s Indigenous youth.

Youngsters in WA’s North West are being given a chance to shine thanks to the opening of a Pilbara-based office for the David Wirrpanda Foundation – a partnership between the Foundation and Pilbara Iron through the Rio Tinto Iron Ore Community Partnerships Programme.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to assist in the development of regional Aboriginal communities by providing high profile role models – such as West Coast Eagles star David Wirrpanda.

The man himself says while celebrating his 150th game is a moment he won’t forget, joining forces with Pilbara Iron and working on strategies to help kids in the Pilbara is also a great achievement.

“I am excited about what we can do together for the communities in the region,” says David.

The David Wirrpanda Foundation delivers outcome-focused youth programmes in the Shires of Roebourne and Ashburton.

The programme is designed to encourage young Indigenous people to build a better quality of life by promoting and encouraging personal growth, self respect and achievement.

Leesa King from Pilbara Iron says developing projects that aim to achieve positive outcomes for youth (particularly Indigenous youth) across the Pilbara is a key to the partnership.

“Pilbara Iron will be injecting $800,000 into the project over the next three years and this will also see a number of programmes rolled out inland in Tom Price, Paraburdoo and surrounding communities - as well as here on the coast,” says Leesa.

“The programme aims to increase school attendance and participation, build self-esteem and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.”

It also gives young people skills to access vital business enterprise programmes and raises awareness of domestic violence.