Judo Western Australia has continued to strengthen its regional presence through a series of targeted development activities in the Kimberley and Wheatbelt, delivered with the support of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport through Judo WA’s regional servicing funding.

Across March 2026, Judo WA Operations Officers Cody Robinson and Estela Hogarth helped deliver a range of initiatives designed to grow participation, strengthen local clubs, create new opportunities for young judoka, and increase awareness of judo in regional Western Australia.

Kimberley activation delivers strong community engagement in Broome

In the Kimberley, Cody and Estela travelled to Broome from Friday, 13 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026 to support activities delivered in partnership with Broome Judo Club and its local lead, Leonie Zenari. Over the course of the visit, the program included a community come try judo session, an in-school judo program, and a local club competition. Together, these activities helped introduce more people to the sport, strengthen the visibility of the local club, and create meaningful opportunities for participation and development within the Broome community.

The community come try judo session attracted 20 participants and was open to people of all ages and abilities. It provided a valuable opportunity for local families and community members to connect with Broome Judo Club, learn more about judo, and experience the sport in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Sessions such as this play an important role in helping regional clubs build awareness and create a stronger connection with their local community.

The visit also included five in-school judo sessions involving a total of 110 students. These sessions provided many young people with their first exposure to judo and were met with strong enthusiasm from both students and school staff. Despite many participants hearing about judo for the first time, they engaged enthusiastically in the classes and embraced the opportunity to get on the mat. In some cases, teachers also joined in and allowed their students to practise throwing techniques on them, helping create a fun and memorable introduction to the sport.

While in Broome, Cody and Estela also joined the Breakky Show on Radio Goolarri to talk about judo and help raise awareness of the sport in the local community. The interview provided an opportunity to promote the recent activities being delivered in the region, highlight the work of Broome Judo Club, and introduce more listeners to the benefits and opportunities that judo can offer. You can listen to the interview here.

A further highlight of the Broome trip was the delivery of a Broome Judo Club competition involving 30 participants. This was believed to be the first club competition ever held in Broome, making it a significant milestone for the local judo community. The event gave young judoka the opportunity to experience what a real competition environment feels like and put their developing skills to the test. It also helped expose club members to the broader workings of an event, with some volunteers stepping into officiating and refereeing roles for the first time.

Judo WA’s support in the Kimberley also extended beyond introductory participation activities. Through its regional funding, Judo WA provided financial support to assist a coach and athlete from Broome Judo Club to travel to Perth and participate in the 2026 Fuel to Go & Play Judo WA State Championships, held on Sunday, 29 March 2026. This support ensured that Broome was represented at the State Championships and formed an important part of Judo WA’s broader commitment to building practical pathways for regional participants.

While introducing new participants to the sport at a local level remains a key part of regional development, Judo WA is equally focused on ensuring that regional athletes, coaches and volunteers can access opportunities that connect them to the wider judo pathway in Western Australia. Supporting attendance at major state events is one way of helping regional members feel part of the broader judo community while gaining valuable experience and exposure.

Wheatbelt school program reaches nearly 300 students

Judo WA’s regional work has also recently extended into the Wheatbelt through a substantial school-based program delivered in partnership with Muchea Judo Club and local coach Paul Kendrick. Across three schools, the program delivered a total of 13 sessions and reached 285 students, providing a broad introduction to judo across a range of year levels.

At Immaculate Heart College, five sessions were delivered across Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 and Year 8 cohorts, engaging a total of 114 students. Aveley Secondary College hosted three sessions involving Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students, with approximately 55 students participating. At Aveley Primary School, a further five sessions were delivered across Year 1, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes, reaching a total of 116 students. Combined, this work provided hundreds of students in the region with a structured and positive first introduction to judo.

Building stronger regional judo communities

Programs like these are an important part of Judo WA’s regional servicing approach. School-based delivery provides an accessible entry point to the sport, encourages physical activity, and helps young people build confidence, coordination and resilience. Just as importantly, it helps build stronger links between schools, communities and local clubs, supporting longer-term opportunities for growth in regional areas.

The recent activity in Broome and the Wheatbelt highlights the wide-ranging impact that regional servicing can have when delivered in close partnership with local clubs and communities. From school sessions and community engagement through to local competitions and athlete support, these initiatives are helping lay stronger foundations for sustainable judo development outside the metropolitan area.

Judo WA thanks the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport for its continued support of this important work. Judo WA also acknowledges the contribution of Cody Robinson and Estela Hogarth, along with Leonie Zenari, Paul Kendrick, Broome Judo Club, Muchea Judo Club, participating schools, teachers, volunteers and all of the students and community members who took part in the programs.

Through continued investment, collaboration and on-the-ground support, Judo WA remains committed to creating stronger regional pathways and more opportunities for judo to grow across Western Australia.

Photos from our Regional Servicing programs are available at http://judowa.smugmug.com/