Indigenous sport in the Western Desert has attained new levels of commitment and participation in the past few months as
the impact of a recently-created Martu Western Desert Sport and Recreation Committee begins to take effect across the
widespread communities.
Newcrest’s Community Relations team led by Superintendent Leon van Erp initiated, resourced and hosted several meetings
last year with the support of Indigenous Sport Development Officer Tristen Walker.
The meetings brought together Martu Elders from each of the communities with key stakeholders including school
principals, Department of Sport and Recreation officers, and representatives from various government agencies.
The major outcome of those discussions was the formation of the Martu Western Desert Sport  and Recreation Committee,
comprising delegates from each of the communities of Kiwirrkurra, Kunuwarritji, Parnngurr, Punmu, Nullagine, Warralong
and Jigalong.
One of the committee’s first decisions was to extend the occasional sports carnivals held in the past into a
fully-fledged Western Desert League competition for football and softball.
Major carnivals were scheduled consecutively between April and September in Kiwirrkurra, Nullagine, Punmu, Warralong,
Parnngurr and Jigalong. Competition between teams at each carnival lacked nothing in commitment and spirit.
The Martu communities have warmly embraced the extended program, with hundreds of families travelling hundreds of
kilometres to watch the sports, perhaps participate in supporting activities, and catch up with old friends.
These are communities in the truest sense of the word: Lots of people, living closely, talking, playing, laughing,
sharing - lots.
Telfer’s Community Relations team has continued its long-term support for Martu communities, providing extensive
resources and personnel to ensure the logistics necessary to successfully prepare and present the carnivals are well
managed.
Additionally, and with the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation, there is an abundance of entertainment,
characters, personalities and food for all.
West Coast Eagles legends Peter Matera and Chris Lewis, rising and local Hawthorn AFL talent Carl Peterson helped out
with games for the kids and preparing tucker; Mellissa van Wichen painted faces, and Andy the Clown tickled lots of
funny bones.