The Pilbara Project
'growing communities'

The Melville Water Polo Club (MWPC), in collaboration with its existing partners, has used its expertise to develop 'FlippaBall in the Pilbara', in the communities of Karratha, Wickham and Roebourne. FlippaBall is a non-contact version of water polo for children and its introduction to the Pilbara is expected to raise awareness and participation in organised sport, whilst simultaneously contributing to community development and addressing health needs, within these remote communities.

MWPC currently supports and assists volunteers in conducting FlippaBall competitions that cater for more than 100 local youth. By the end of 2010 the number of young people participating in these towns is predicted to increase to more than 200. Engaging in an activity such as FlippaBall assists participants in developing routine and stability. It builds on fitness, enhances ball skills and water confidence, and fosters the value of working in a team and following direction.

Roebourne 'Whites' convincing win over the 'Blues'The benefits of community sport have been well documented in recent times with its ability to build social capital, develop resilience through a connected community and empower a community in the strongest sense. Fostering community engagement is particularly important in regional areas and even more so in a transient environment such as the Pilbara which is constantly at risk of losing that community connectedness which is so crucial in times of necessary resilience and to ensure the overall health in the region.

MWPC currently supports and assists volunteers in conducting Flippa Ball competitions that cater for more than 100 local youth. By the end of 2010 the number of young people participating in these towns is predicted to increase to more than 200. Engaging in an activity such as Flippa Ball assists participants in developing routine and stability. It builds on fitness, enhances ball skills and water confidence, and fosters the value of working in a team and following direction.

By providing coaching and mentoring, by staff and athletes, MWPC is determined to develop the sport of water polo, within these communities, over the next three years. The aim is to establish a self-sustaining sporting competition, allowing these communities to form life-long attachments to the game that will contribute to improved health and fitness, promote healthy lifestyle choices and strengthen community relationships.