David Wirrpanda has been labelled many things in his time: veteran, utility, premiership player but none more important than his current title of role model.
West Coast’s next home fixture looms in round nine, the AFL’s Indigenous Round, and the club will celebrate by paying tribute to the David Wirrpanda Foundation and its work in developing aboriginal youth. Role models, such as David Wirrpanda, educate these young people by promoting healthy lifestyles and building self-esteem.
David Wirrpanda started the foundation in 2005 to improve the lives of indigenous youths by targeting specialised areas at specific stages in their life.
The foundation has a wide variety of programs which aim to increase school attendance, improve indigenous health and improve the life-choices after school by encouraging further study or employment options. The foundation also educates about domestic and family violence, health, drug and alcohol issues, as well aiming to decrease participants’ contact with the Justice System.
Western Australian aboriginal celebrities, such as Wirrpanda, are the mentors of these programs who involve themselves with participants through workshops, physical activity sessions and excursions.
The David Wirrpanda Foundation offers many programs, one of which is the “Wirra Club” which operates across Western Australia to keep indigenous children in school and improve standards of behaviour and achievement.
The “Dare to Dream Girls Group” recognises the need for positive role models and life education for young aboriginal women in the areas of alcohol and drugs, sexual health and relationships, domestic and family violence.
The “On My Way Program” aims to increase attendance and reduce participants contact with the Justice System in the Pilbara region where the “Plan 2day 4 2morrow” employment program assists year ten graduates, who are keen to enter the workforce.
Finally, the “Troy Cook Health and Fitness” program provides an opportunity for indigenous youth to experience the life of an elite athlete over a ten week program. This program also evaluates the challenges faced with elite athletes and the choices they must make to lead healthy lives, prevent injury and make socially and personally responsible decisions.
West Coast’s round nine fixture against Collingwood is kindly sponsored by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in support of the David Wirrpanda Foundation, and will see the popular Yabu band perform live for the crowd at Subiaco Oval.
West Coast Eagles players will join in the festivities by conducting a ‘tin shake’ to help raise money for this worthy cause.
David Wirrpanda Foundation merchandise such as hats, scarves and pins will also be available for purchase at the game.
The David Wirrpanda Foundation Round celebrates the aboriginal culture in an effort to ‘give back’ to the indigenous community that has never stopped supporting him.
“My heritage gives me so much power it’s unbelievable,” Wirrpanda says.
“I’ve got the confidence to go out and speak in front of anyone and present aboriginal culture. At the end of the day that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my life.”
For more information about the David Wirrpanda Foundation, please visit www.dwf.org.au.
