Running with Tony Buti: Magistrate Kim Farmer discusses passion for justice and growing up with Polly Farmer

Kim Farmer is a Magistrate in the Children’s Court of Western Australia. We caught up at Leederville Oval, current home of the East Perth Royals and former home of the West Perth Cardinals, WAFL clubs that her legendary father, Polly Farmer, served with distinction. He was also a champion in the VFL with Geelong. Tony Buti: Kim we know a lot about your father, but what about your mum (Marlene) can you tell us a bit about her? Kim Farmer: Well, Mum is no longer with us, but she was a Tasmanian lady. She met Dad at the Canterbury Court (a former dance hall) when she was about 21. She had come over to Perth on a working holiday with her parents. Dad always said he’d remain single until 30, but he made it to 23 and fell in love with Mum. They stayed together right to her end, and it was very much a love story. Mum was in awe of Dad until the very end. TB: That’s lovely. Of course, your dad, Polly Farmer, is a legendary footballer, considered by some as the greatest of all time. What was it like growing up with someone who had such a reputation? KF: He was a very humble man. Whether it was his start at Sister Kate’s Children’s Home or just his nature, he never got caught up in the trappings of being a footy idol. He didn’t drink or smoke, and at home, he was unremarkable in the best way— enjoying simple things like reading, watching TV, walking the dogs, and spending time with us. But even at home football was always present. Football was 24/7 for Dad, whether he was jogging, handballing, or thinking about the game. My two older brothers were deeply involved, and I tagged along. But by the time I hit my teens, I had enough of footy. I stepped away from it for a while but I do follow it. And I was, until recently, on the Board of the East Perth Football Club. TB: I know you’re a Geelong supporter. KF: I am, but I’m also a Dockers supporter because I live in Fremantle. We’re waiting patiently for success! TB: Let’s talk about the Polly Farmer Foundation. When was it set up? KF: It was established in the mid-90s. Steve Hawke (son of Bob) approached Dad to write his biography, and Dad agreed on the condition that Steve help create a foundation to provide opportunities for Aboriginal people — not just in football, but broadly. That’s how the foundation began. TB: And it led to “Follow the Dream”? KF: Yes. It’s an aspirational program for Aboriginal high school students, offering after-school tuition, mentoring, and a sense of belonging. It’s been running for over 25 years and operates in about 56 locations across WA. It empowers students to pursue their dreams, whether in university or specialized fields. TB: What was your dream growing up? KF: Honestly, I think I’ve exceeded my dreams. Dad’s legacy cast a big shadow, and I didn’t think I could dream as big. It wasn’t until later in life that I started setting goals and taking on challenges. TB: Did you go straight to tertiary education after completing high school? KF: Not straight away. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. After a couple of years of working in hospitality, I realized I needed more and went back to university to study anthropology. It was transformative and led to my first professional job in Aboriginal Affairs, which changed my life. TB: And you eventually studied law? KF: Yes. After working at the Aboriginal Legal Service as a court officer, I realized I loved criminal defence work. I went back to university to study law and found my calling. TB: You were recently appointed as a magistrate in the WA Children’s Court. How does that feel? KF: It’s an incredible honour. It’s been a journey, but I feel grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. TB: Is it exhausting? At the end of the day, are you completely worn out? KF: It is demanding. There’s a lot of pressure to make sure you’ve been respectful to all parties and considered every aspect. As a defence lawyer, I had one person to think about: my client. Of course, I had a duty to the court and respect for the people in the system, but I was thinking about my client. Now, I’m thinking about justice. I’m thinking about the people involved in each case and ensuring that each area is critically examined and treated. TB: Is education the key, or one of the key factors, to improving the socio-economic conditions for Aboriginal people? KF: Absolutely. My father recognised that over 30 years ago when he said education was going to be the key for Aboriginal people to take their rightful place in Australian society as equal contributors. That’s why the foundation was established, and it’s still vital. When we started the Polly Farmer Foundation, there weren’t a lot of choices—or aspirational options—for Aboriginal people. Back then, it was always framed as the “Aboriginal problem.” Today, we don’t see our students as part of a problem. We see them as dreamers, achievers, and contributors. TB: One last question: who will win the next AFL premiership — Geelong or Fremantle? KF: Fremantle, without a doubt.