The three-day visit formed part of the BHP role model visits, providing engagement opportunities for youth, stakeholders and the broader community to connect with Eagles role models.
The trip was led by Eagles Youth Engagement Coordinator Claudia Bailey who is permanently based in Hedland, facilitating many of the connection pieces between the local community and Naitanui over the duration of the visit.
The Friday saw the pair venture to all primary schools across both Port and South Hedland providing each area of the town equal opportunity, before a Super Clinic for over 100 local kids capped off the evening as local youth received the priceless opportunity to have a kick with an AFL icon.
Saturday was focussed on specific engagement opportunities with one of the club’s biggest supporters and sponsors in BHP, with Naitanui, Bailey, and Rick the Rock taking part in BHP’s Family Day for their staff and families within Hedland.
To finish things off on Sunday there was a youth engagement visit to the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub, as Naitanui chatted to the small group of boys before they switched codes, jumping on the court to shoot some hoops in a more personal engagement piece.
“Our staff in the Pilbara really do go above and beyond in their roles; whether it was picking up kids from school or putting on breakfast clubs for kids that need it, it was great to see it firsthand and the impact they have on community,” Naitanui said.
“As a club, we understand how important connection is to WA communities, so it was great to invest into our shared community working alongside a partner like BHP and bring some smiles and energy to the people of Port Hedland.”
With more than 1200 engagements over the three-day role model visit, the trip provided integral regional connection opportunities to various groups within the Hedland community.
BHP General Manager Rail Kate Holling echoed the importance of the partnership in building strong community connection and youth engagement opportunities.
“Footy has a special way of bringing people together, and our partnership with the West Coast Eagles continues to show how meaningful that connection can be - especially in regional towns like Port Hedland,” she said.
“Nic Naitanui's visit was such a highlight, with school visits, footy clinics, site drop-ins and getting involved in our Community Day. His presence sparked real energy and left a lasting impression.”
“Marking 20 years of partnership with the Eagles is a huge milestone, and we're proud to be building a legacy that continues to make a difference in local communities across WA.”
The West Coast Eagles are proud to work alongside Youth Engagement Partner BHP in providing Pilbara youth with meaningful football opportunities and connection offerings to important role models.
