Following a massive day of footy, dancing and learning on day one, Thursday’s day two action signalled the end of the 2026 Kimberley 9s Carnival. Day two saw 268 secondary-aged students take part in a round-robin-style football carnival, plus interactive health and education workshops delivered by community and organisation partners. 

Over two days, around 600 primary and secondary students were treated to the biggest Kimberley 9s Carnival to date. 

Now in a sixth year, the carnival is part of the wider ‘Kimberley Connected’ program, which has been proudly supported by WA Police since 2021. 

Day one finished in style, with students treated to a unique sunset dining experience thanks to the Purple Hands Foundation, in partnership with the WA Good Food Guide and sponsored by Variety. Popular Kimberley musicians, Family Shoveller Band, also had kids dancing into the evening with a special performance.

Fremantle AFLW star Áine Tighe reflected on a jam-packed event. 

“It’s been an incredible couple of days,” Tighe said. 

“I’ve been fortunate to come up here a couple of times for trips, but this is my first time at the Kimberley 9s, and it’s just so special. 

“We’ve got kids coming from right across the Kimberley, and you see the smiles on their faces and how much fun they’re having across the two days. It’s epic. 

“Footy is one aspect, but all the workshops they’re doing and some of the educational pieces are so important and valuable as well.” 

A standout for Tighe was the significant reach and impact the Kimberley 9s Carnival has in the region. 

“To have over 80 per cent of schools in the Kimberley engaged and involved in this program is just incredible,” Tighe said. 

“The vast distances they’ve travelled, and to be able to engage that number of kids through the vehicle of footy and see the outcomes more broadly than that, it’s an incredible program. 

“It’s something I’m hugely excited and happy to be part of.

“The impact it has on the kids, the enjoyment they have right across the two days, and the stories they’ll have to tell going back to their communities is incredible.” 

The program has seen schools from across the Kimberley take part in workshops, with participating students rewarded for school attendance and making positive choices for themselves and their community. This year 82% of schools in the Kimberley engaged in the program.   

WA Police play a key role by getting involved in the fun, creating positive relationships and breaking down barriers with kids in the region. Throughout the carnival, Kimberley officers umpire, play and support the footy games, giving young people the chance to get to know them as people, not just men and women in uniform.  

As always, the annual Kimberley 9s event would not be possible without the support of volunteers and partners who 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