Airbnb has joined forces with the Fremantle Dockers and its Purple Hands Foundation to support the second Kimberley 9s carnival, beginning in Broome on October 19.
A joint initiative with WA Police, the football spectacular is the end of a year-round youth engagement program that culminates with a round robin carnival on the iconic Cable Beach.
More than 400 primary and secondary students will travel from 23 schools across the Kimberley for the two-day event after being selected by their schools, based on attendance, workshop engagement and behaviour in and out of classrooms in the past 12 months.
Fremantle Dockers Chief Executive Simon Garlick welcomed Airbnb’s support of the program that will be attended by current Fremantle player Bailey Banfield, along with former defender Roger Hayden who is a coach for the club’s Next Generation Academy.
“The Kimberley 9s is a fantastic initiative the Fremantle Dockers and the Purple Hands Foundation are proud to be part of for the second year running,” Garlick said.
“With the wonderful support of WA Police - and now Airbnb - kids in the Kimberley can be part of a unique football and community experience by making good choices.
“Playing football on the beach is the perfect vehicle for kids to come together, break down barriers and make lifelong connections.”
Airbnb is eager to support the program as part of the accommodation and experiences provider’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Airbnb’s reconciliation journey began with the publication of its first Reconciliation Action Plan as part of a broader commitment to making a tangible and ongoing contribution to a reconciled Australia.
Airbnb’s RAP lays the foundations for developing mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, and a deeper understanding of reconciliation within Airbnb’s community.
It aims to create new opportunities for our community to participate in meaningful reconciliation efforts that respect and recognise Indigenous peoples and cultures, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “Airbnb is focused on using our platform to foster meaningful connection and a genuine sense of belonging, and when the opportunity to support the incredible efforts the Purple Hands Foundation has made in these communities in Western Australia, we wanted to lend our support.
“As an organisation, and a community of Hosts, we are embarking on an ongoing journey of reflection to thoughtfully consider how we can play a long-term role in fostering relationships built on mutual trust and respect within the Australian communities we serve.
“The Airbnb team, as well as our Hosts in Broome are excited to participate in the running of the event, contributing to what is a worthy initiative and I’m sure a fun experience for all the kids and their families.”
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