Garnduwa welcomes Sean: The East Kimberley’s new sport and recreation manager.

We sat down with Sean to learn about the journey that led him to the Kimberley, and what his aspirations are for the regions sport and recreation programming.

Where is home for you?

I am originally from South East London, England a place called Woolwich and ended up in Australia via Ireland and Malta.

Tell us about your sport and recreation history?

My relationship with sport and rec has been a constant in my life. After I finished school I went onto an apprenticeship with Leyton Orient Football Club.

After I left I balanced playing part time for a few different teams before I decided to switch sports playing Rugby Union and Rugby League at various levels.

I was also able to combine this with a variety of coaching roles between Soccer, Rugby Union and League. Later on I was able to start various academies for sport working with Dagenham and Redbridge FC, Greenwich Admirals Rugby League and Gravesend Rugby Union Club.

Then when I moved to Malta I was fortunate to make the National Rugby League team, playing away against Wales at Cardiff Blues stadium.

I then became the National Men’s Team Coach before moving to Australia.

And what about in the professional space?

My professional background in sport involved completing my degree in Sports Development and going on to complete my English teaching qualifications and going onto teach at different colleges and Secondary Schools in England.

I then moved on and worked in sport in Malta doing strength and conditioning, as well as running my own gym and coaching.

Here in Australia I was fortunate to work in remote communities as a sport and recreation officer while being based out of a community called Tjuntjuntjara in the Great Victoria Desert, Western Australia.

What has motivated you to join Garnduwa and lead the East Kimberley’s sport and recreation programming?

Garnduwa came to my attention with all the excellent work it does in the Kimberley creating carnivals and providing opportunities for communities to participate in regular sport and rec activities.

Sports development has always been a keen interest of mine. Providing everyone the opportunity to participate and learn through sport and for top athletes in the group to move through pathways no matter their race, religion or colour.

What is your vision for the Kimberley Active Communities Project in the Kullarri region?

The thing I am most looking forward to is helping to create a structure of programmes, with a huge emphasis on local staff as well as adding to and supporting the excellent team already in place.