Fremantle’s community team joined Woodside Energy for a three-day roadshow in Karratha from October 15 to 17, working with local schools to deliver clinics that culminated in a football carnival.
Both Fremantle and Woodside Energy share values of community engagement and empowerment, with the 15-year anniversary of the Woodside Energy and Clontarf Academy match providing a unique opportunity to highlight the impact initiatives have within communities.
“Woodside Energy and the Fremantle Dockers have very consistent values when it comes to leaving the communities we operate in better than when we found them,” said Woodside Karratha Gas Plant Asset Manager Derek Paulgaard.
“The Woodside-operated North West Shelf Project has donated over 300 million dollars to community-led initiatives throughout the City of Karratha, and we are very proud to be a part of the Karratha community moving forward.
“Woodside has had a strong relationship with the Clontarf Academy for over 15 years.”
Baynton West Primary School Senior Health and Physical Education teacher Branden McGrath expressed his appreciation for the impact of the three-day trip on students and the wider Karratha community.
“When the Fremantle Dockers come up here, I notice changes in the students during their sessions—they have more fun, get engaged, and try to ask as many questions as possible,” he said.
“We’ve got students at our carnival today who don’t normally want to participate in AFL, but they’ve signed up and given it a hot crack just to be part of it.”
Fremantle Regional Engagement Manager Graham Mills, echoed the sentiments of Paulgaard and McGrath, highlighting the seamless alignment between the Club and Woodside.
“It’s been terrific,” Mills said of the three-day roadshow.
“The kids have been excited to see some new faces, and obviously the brand itself, the Fremantle Football Club, is something everyone can recognise and resonate with.
"Over these three days, we've been able to witness the impact we can have using football as a vehicle to drive important messages, such as the importance of staying physically active."
“We’ve got a large multicultural society up here through Karratha and for some people it’s a new experience and they’ve grasped it with both hands.
“We’ve had Woodside Energy come onboard as a partnership since 2010 so we are approaching 15 years (together), which is a very substantial commitment from their end and one that we are very, very grateful for.”
Fremantle and Woodside Energy recently returned to the Pilbara for the Club’s Community Camp, visiting 10 schools across Karratha, Wickham, Dampier and Roebourne from November 18 to 20.
