Kids encouraged to take part

Newly appointed Wirrpanda Foundation Great Southern Sports Development Manager Robbie Miniter will aim to increase sport participation levels for indigenous children in his new role.

Mr Miniter worked for the Shire of Gnowangerup for 20 years and was last employed as a works manager before starting at the foundation last week.

“I want to build the participation rate,” he said.

“We want to try and use sport as a driver so we can get a positive outcome.

“A lot of young Noongar kids love their footy and the girls love their netball and there is a fair few that love hockey.”

Mr Miniter said he would also like to build strong partnerships with local governments and shires.

David Wirrpanda visited Albany in May 2012 and flagged the possibility of taking on full-time employees in the region.

Mr Wirrpanda said Mr Miniter had a wealth of experience as an athlete, coach and parent and had been involved in many sports in the Great Southern.

“Robbie’s role will be to build relationships with local Aboriginal families, local sports organisations, recreation centres and local government to enable increased participation and/or involvement in sport and recreation,” he said.

“The foundation has been provided the funding from the Department of Sport and Recreation.

"The foundation is keen to develop a significant presence in the Great Southern and we will aim to find additional funding to support Robbie’s role.”

The Wirrpanda Foundation now also has representatives in Broome, Wickham, Karratha and Peel.