Fremantle stars and first-time Kimberley 9s Carnival attendees Isaiah Dudley, Leon Kickett and Áine Tighe came together for the first of two days of fun and learning under the Kimberley sun at Cable Beach. 

Day one of the 2026 Kimberley 9s Carnival saw over 260 primary-aged students take part in a round-robin-style football carnival, wearing specially designed 2026 Kimberley 9s shirts featuring the winning design by a student who took part in the Kimberley Connected program throughout the year.  

First time attendee Isaiah Dudley said it was an amazing experience to be part of. 

“I never thought it would be this big,” Dudley said. 

“I thought it’d be just kind of chill, but it’s a great turnout, and all the kids love it, and puts a smile on my face, which is why I’m here. 

“It reminds me when I’m back home in Port Lincoln or on the Yorks (Yorke Peninsula), me and my cousins, my brothers all run amok on the sand, and to see them let loose and have fun and have a smile on their face is pretty unique, pretty special and fun.” 

Swarmed by kids at every break in play, Dudley said the experience has been a whirlwind, but very humbling. 

“It’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m super humble and grateful because I once was that kid that wanted to see an AFL player and get their signature and be around them,” Dudley said. 

“I’m glad that I’m playing a small part and seeing them have fun, have a smile on the face, because I was once that little kid looking up to someone, which is quite nice.” 

The carnival is part of the wider “Kimberley Connected” program, which has been proudly supported by WA Police since 2021.  

The program has seen schools from across the Kimberley take part in workshops encouraging students to attend school and make positive choices for themselves and their community. In 2026, the biggest year yet, 82% of schools in the Kimberley engaged in the program.  

The Kimberley 9s serves as a reward for those who have participated in Kimberley Connected workshops throughout 2026, celebrating school engagement and good behaviours throughout the year.  

At the forefront is having WA Police involved in a fun way to help students break down barriers and build positive relationships with Officers. Throughout the carnival, officers from across the region umpire, play, and support the footy games, giving young people the chance to get to know them as people, not just the uniform.  

“I think they’ve (WA Police) got a good connection with all the kids here,” Dudley said. 

“I think that’s why they’re umpiring, playing games, etc and I can also see them having a smile because I think it warms their heart and warms my heart that they’ve got the support of these young Indigenous kids, which is quite nice.” 

Between games, students took part in a range of interactive workshops delivered by community and partner organisations. 

Containers for Change taught students how to care for Country through waste and recycling education, while RAC ran a fun, hands-on session on road, bike and e-scooter safety. 

Local organisation Alive & Kicking Goals hosted a cultural learning workshop, with students working together to build a bush shelter and test their fishing skills. 

Health and wellbeing was front and centre. Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) and Broome headspace delivered social and emotional wellbeing activities focused on stress management, and the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS), a supporter of the carnival since its inception, ran a Tackling Smoking workshop featuring peer pressure team-building games. 

Dijun Way helped students build the skills to form healthy relationships and recognise trusted people and support networks, while the WA All Abilities Football Association ensured the carnival is inclusive for all across both days. 

One of the hits of the day came at lunch when popular Kimberley outfit Family Shoveller Band surprised students with a performance following the carnival. A long-time favourite with local kids, the band had the crowd up and dancing, before returning that evening to perform again at the Student Dining Experience. 

The fun continued into the afternoon at Fun Fest, held at RAC Cable Beach Caravan Park, where travelling students enjoyed an afternoon of inflatables, music and fresh haircuts from an on-site barber. Students also took part in a range of workshops, including scooter and helmet safety with RAC, sustainability with Containers for Change, and nutrition education with the Kimberley Population Health Unit. 

As always, the annual Kimberley 9s event would not be possible without the countless volunteers and partners unbelievable amount of support to make the two-day carnival such a special occasion for so many.

EVENT PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

MAJOR FUNDING PARTNERS  

WA Police: Our major funder since 2021, using the power of sport to break down barriers and assisting with umpiring, student interaction and more.  

Containers for Change: Delivering 'caring for country' workshops for all students in the lead up to the carnival and interactive workshops at the carnival.  

RAC: Delivered ‘Road Safety’ workshops for all students in lead up to the carnival, as well as educating further road safety with activation at the carnival and afternoon event. 

Programmed: Carnival funding, logistical support and volunteering. 

Kimberely Regional Service Providers (KRSP): Supporting Purple Hands with funding and equipment to serve local communities. 

Shire of Broome: Shire of Broome funding and logistics support. 

Broome Surf Club: Facility access, equipment storage area, function area for student dining and stakeholder event   

THANK YOU ALSO TO THE MANY ORGANISATIONS WHO CHIPPED IN TO HELP

WA Police - Major Program Partner   

Containers for Change - Key Supporting Partner  

RAC - Key Supporting Partner  

Programmed - Key Supporting Partner  

Shire of Broome - Supporting Partner  

KRSP - Supporting Partner   

Broome Surf Club - Supporting Organisation  

DP World - Transport logistics partner  

WA Good Food Guide - Student Dining Partner   

Variety Children’s Charity - Funding partner of Student Dining  

Broome PCYC - Event support    

Uniquip - Supplying beach matting for accessibility   

Notre Dame Uni Broome - Providing First Aid   

Cable Beach Club Resort - Staff accommodation