Swans Roebourne Welcomes Two New Members to the Team

Swans’ Roebourne programs have received a huge boost with the appointment of 2 new staff members to help bring positive impact to the region. The addition of extra resourcing and staff is a result of a new three year partnership between Swan Districts Football Club and Rio Tinto.

The three-year partnership will strengthen Swans’ Roebourne program, which focuses on improving the lives of young people and their families by supporting personal growth, facilitating meaningful connections and helping reduce the likelihood of at-risk behaviours.

Thanks to Rio Tinto’s support, the Roebourne “team” will triple with the appointment of two new Social Impact Coordinators, helping Social Impact Manager Jimmy Westbrook to deliver programs focused on physical health, mental health, individual development, social and community development, and access to opportunities (environment).

The new appointees are both local to the region, with Tyla Drew having lived there for over 15 years, and Andrew Westbrook working in a casual capacity with Swans for the last three years in Roebourne. The club is excited about what both will bring and the impact they will be able to have.

Tyla Drew

Social Impact Coordinator

“I have been living in Karratha for over 11 years and within the Pilbara for just over 15 years. The lifestyle keeps me here, In my spare time I absolutely love getting outdoors, whether it’s for a morning run and coffee or it’s heading out on the boat fishing and camping with friends. I also spend my weekends playing and volunteering at my local women’s Football Club.

“I was attracted to the role as I love being out in our community and helping others whether it’s big or small and making somewhat of an impact on someone’s day! I look forward to making an impact in my new role

Andrew Westbrook

Social Impact Coordinator

“I have lived in the Karratha region for the past 3 years and feel I have found my home, the community has welcomed me with wide open arms. I began volunteering my time with the Swans Roebourne program and over the years thoroughly enjoyed the experiences I have been involved with

“Now I have the full time capacity to support our young people and the community I’m excited to see what we can achieve as team within our organisation. When I’m not at work you can find me out exploring this amazing region camping, fishing and enjoying being outdoors

In 2024, more than 200 regional activities were delivered by Swans in Roebourne, engaging 291 young people in mentoring and other engaging activities. These programs will now expand to include more outside of school hours initiatives and extend to the Wickham community.

Swan District Football Club Director of Social Impact Ian Westmore said the partnership aims to address the challenge of living remotely and the barriers faced by the local community.

“Our partnership with Rio Tinto enables our Swans staff to be immersed in the community, not just as a service provider,” Ian said.

“Community partners are integral to the impact of all our Swans’ programs, where the focus is on improvising the lives of people.”

“We do this through greater engagement in education, improving health and wellbeing and deeper community connections. This all leads to increased opportunity.”

For more information please follow the Swans Roebourne Facebook page.