Thursday evening saw the conclusion of the 2024 Kimberley 9s AFL Beach Carnival, where over 400 primary and secondary school kids from across the Kimberley came together - with day two of the carnival focusing on secondary school children.

Following a similar format to day one, secondary students were able to enjoy a day filled with football fun and activities at Broome’s Gantheaume Point.

Fremantle forward and Broome native Bailey Banfield, who has attended every Kimberley 9s program since its inception, says this year’s carnival has been another great success.

“It’s awesome. This is our second day, and it’s always a little bit harder keeping up with the secondary students than the primary school kids, but we’re having a great time out here,” Banfield said.

“I think it’s something that everyone just loves coming down and being a part of.

“It’s awesome to get up to Broome. You’re spending the day on the beach, it’s hard work but really rewarding. The kids all love it.

“It’s the end of a year-long program, which I think the kids have got a lot out of it this year, and they’re always talking about hoping it will be back next year. I think all the staff feel the same way as well.”

On top of the day of activities, one of the main elements Banfield has enjoyed at this year’s carnival has been the stunning t-shirts designed by the students.

“It’s one of the elements of the program that they run throughout the year. It’s the cultural piece, and all the kids submit a design and tell a bit of a story around their design and why they chose it,” Banfield said.

“The primary school kids yesterday had their specific design, and then we had two girls who co-designed this year’s winner for the secondary students... which is really special.

“They’ve got the kingfisher on theirs, and the younger kids have the crab. Animals are a big part of the culture up here, and they look awesome, especially against this backdrop.”

For Banfield, a trip back to the north of WA brings a good opportunity to see family and friends before a special weekend of his own.

“I still have plenty of family up here, so I always come up and see everyone,” Banfield said.

“It’s nice to hang out together and get up here. This still feels like home. Just flying in every time, looking out the window of the plane, seeing the mangroves, seeing the water, the colours, and the red dirt as well - it always feels like coming home.

“As soon as this wraps up, I’m straight out of here, going back tonight to Perth and getting married on Saturday, so I’m really looking forward to doing that in front of all our nearest and dearest family and friends.”

EVENT PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

The event would not be possible without the help of these organisations moving mountains and coming together to make magic happen.

MAJOR PARTNERS

• WA Police: Using the power of sport to break down barriers and volunteers assisting with umpiring, event setup, student interaction and more.
• Containers for Change: Delivering 'caring for country' workshops for all students in the lead up to the carnival, interactive workshops at the carnival
• Shire of Broome: Carnival funding
• Kimberley Regional Service Providers: Supporting Purple Hands in servicing local communities through funding, equipment and volunteers

THANK-YOU

• KAMS & Broome Headspace: Carnival workshops promoting education and awareness of mental health strategies
• Alive & Kicking Goals: Education around mindfulness tips and techniques to the students
• All Abilities Football Football Association: Volunteers assisting with umpiring, running inclusive football games at the carnival
• DP World: Assisted with packing the truck and transporting all the equipment from Perth to Broome.
• Holdfast: Providing the student giveaway bags
• Garnduwa and Western Australian Football Commission: for providing carnival assistance and volunteers
• Programmed: Providing carnival catering
• Chef Elby: Assisting with local community connections
• Broome PCYC: Supporting with accommodation and and providing catering for all travelling students
• Broome Turf Club: Providing storage and other equipment
• Elastoplast: Providing first-aid tents and supplies, along with student giveaways
• Broome Surf Life Saving Club: First Aid volunteer support
• Woodside: Keeping everyone sun safe providing sunscreen
• Safestyle sunglasses: Providing 500 pairs of sunglasses to the event
• Cable Beach Club Resort: Providing staff accommodation
• SEDA Group: Student volunteer cohort
• Woolworths: Providing fresh fruit and ice for students