Variety WA strengthens support for Kimberley kids
Variety WA has opened an office on the Kimberley to strengthen on‑ground, locally led support for children facing barriers, with further regional expansion planned.
The new premises marks a significant step in Variety WA’s strategy to deliver faster, more effective and community‑specific support by placing staff within regional communities.
The charity supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability to overcome barriers, and says proximity is central to timely, meaningful outcomes.
Key Points
- Variety WA opens a new Kimberley office to embed local staff
- More than 15,000 children supported across WA in the past year
- Over 4,500 regional and remote children supported statewide
- More than 550 children assisted in the Kimberley in 12 months
- Regional model active in Mid‑West and Goldfields, growing in Great Southern
- Pilbara expansion expected by the end of the year
- Albany office scheduled for 2027 under growth plans
Variety WA’s regional engagement officer in the Kimberley, Trudi Ridge, a Yawuru / Karajarri Traditional Owner, said being based locally is critical to building trust and improving results. She noted that early engagement increases when families feel understood and respected, and that a sustained presence enables staff to work alongside communities in ways that reflect local priorities.
Identified need
Over the past 12 months, more than 15,000 children across Western Australia were supported by Variety WA, including more than 4,500 living in regional and remote communities. Within the Kimberley alone, assistance reached more than 550 children, underscoring both the level of need and the rationale for a permanent local presence.
Children in regional and remote areas continue to face heightened barriers to health, education and disability support. According to the organisation, distance and limited services often delay access during critical stages of development, making in‑region delivery and relationship‑based work essential.
Variety WA’s regional model is already established across the Mid‑West and Goldfields, with continued investment planned to strengthen support in the Great Southern. Chief executive Chris Chatterton said the expansion into the Kimberley reflects a deliberate shift towards regional delivery and confirmed further expansion into the Pilbara is expected by the end of the year.
A new office in Albany is scheduled for 2027 as part of Variety WA’s growth plans to strengthen support across regional WA. Leadership says earlier response times, closer partnerships with communities and localised delivery are central to creating real impact for children and their families.
How support is delivered
Much of Variety WA’s assistance is delivered through grants to remove practical barriers to participation. The organisation directs support to individuals, schools and community organisations, with a mix of equipment, resources and community‑driven solutions designed for local contexts.
Grant focus and examples:
- Grants to individuals, schools and community organisations
- Specialised equipment and learning resources
- Support for community‑led initiatives
Variety WA reports demand is growing. In 2025, the organisation received more than $3.7 million in requests for assistance across regional Western Australia. The rising volume of applications reinforces the need for a strong and sustained regional presence to meet community priorities and maintain timely access to support.
