Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Swan Districts Football Club (SDFC) have formed a new partnership set to create more opportunities for young people in Onslow to thrive.
A three-year partnership will strengthen SDFC’s Swans in Onslow program (previously VSwans), which focuses on improving the lives of young people and their families by supporting personal growth, facilitating meaningful connections and helping reduce the likelihood of at-risk behaviours.
Thanks to MinRes’ support, the Onslow team will grow with the appointment of a new Social Impact Development Officer helping to deliver programs focused on physical health, mental health, individual development, social and community development, and access to opportunities (environment).
Image L-R: Matt Bishop – Area Manager Swans Onslow, Jamilah Sibosado – Indigenous Engagement Advisor, Kerry James – Senior Community Engagement Advisor, Nicole Drummond – Social Impact Development Officer Swans Onslow
In 2022, more than 600 regional activities were delivered by SDFC, engaging 281 young people in social and sporting initiatives across its Early Years (0-9 years) and Youth Shed (10-18 years) programs.
Swan District Football Club Director of Social Impact Ian Westmore said the partnership aims to address the challenge of living remotely and the barriers to assessing critical services.
“Our partnership with MinRes enables our Swans staff to be immersed in the Onslow community, not just as a service provider,” Ian said.
“Community partners are integral to the impact of all our Swans’ programs, where the focus is on improvising the lives of people in our communities.”
“We do this through greater engagement in education, improving health and wellbeing and deeper community connections. This all leads to increased opportunity.”
MinRes Manager Stakeholder Engagement Daniel Barker said the SDFC partnership would help deliver critical services to the Onslow community, which aligns with MinRes’ community investment objectives.
“We’re delighted to partner with SDFC to help ensure the continued delivery of their Swans Onslow program,” Daniel said.
“MinRes is committed to meaningful partnerships that deliver positive outcomes in the regions where we operate, and this multi-year partnership will help ensure young people and their families in Onslow have ongoing access to community-building initiatives and activities.”
The SDFC’s VSwans program has been part of the Onslow community since 2008. In 2023, VSwans rebranded to Swans Onslow, better aligning to other SDFC social impact programs in Perth and Roebourne, and ensuring a stronger connection to a club that’s been an important part of the WA community for nearly 90 years.
For more information, visit the Swans in Onslow Facebook page.
