The Kimberley 9s Carnival, held annually on the scenic Cable Beach, is much more than just a fun community event; it serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and growth of young people in the Kimberley region. This year’s carnival showcased the incredible impact of the Kimberley Connected Program, a year-long initiative aimed at improving school attendance and fostering positive behavior among students from 21 primary and 14 secondary schools, including six All-Abilities classes. The program, organized by the Purple Hands Foundation, has sparked significant changes in the lives of participating students, both inside and outside the classroom.
One standout example of this impact comes from Luurnpa Catholic School in Balgo, a remote community over 800 kilometers away from Broome. For the first time, the school participated in the Kimberley 9s Carnival, but getting there was no easy task. The students embarked on a grueling 24-hour round-trip journey by bus and car, an adventure that was, according to teacher Melkorka Hilmarsdottir, affectionately known as “Miss M,” well worth the effort. Despite a bus breakdown just 10 kilometers from Broome after a long day of travel, the students’ enthusiasm remained high, and the experience became a source of pride and joy for the entire group.
For Miss M, the true impact of the Kimberley Connected Program was visible throughout the year, particularly in the classroom. “My class size tripled,” she shared. “Attendance and behavior improved significantly. What’s more, the kids developed a deeper connection to school, with more students attending regularly and engaging in activities like footy training.” The program has become a key motivator for students to attend school and engage in educational activities, especially as many of them look forward to the sports and community connection it fosters.
In addition to the sporting activities, the Kimberley 9s Carnival also gave students the opportunity to experience new things outside of their remote community. Miss M highlighted the excitement her students felt at the prospect of shopping in Broome. For children from Balgo, the