The Wirra Club program is designed for primary school children with the focus on keeping them actively engaged in school, improving standards of behaviour and achievement, as well as promoting healthy life choices. Through carefully planned and age-appropriate sessions involving drills, games, matches, problem-solving and teamwork, the role models empower the students to build their social skills as well as promote positive behaviour. The sessions are adapted to suit the needs of the age group and students are supported to succeed as well as be challenged in a positive way, thus building self-esteem and confidence.

BHP Billiton has been supporting the Wirra Club in Onslow for 7 years.

Over the three day visit in late July, the Foundation mentors and role models engaged students from Onslow Primary School, aged five to 16, in a range of activities including netball, boxing, football, leadership skills, road safety, art and jewellery making. The activities were facilitated by professional athletes, artists and accomplished business people. The Foundation also hosted a BBQ attended by more than 90 members of the Onslow community. 

"The visit of the Wirrpanda Foundation to Onslow is about highlighting the importance of school and providing students with tools to make positive life choices," said Bindi Gove, Petroleum Corporate Affairs Manager. "This year the Onslow School students were inspired by role models who taught them that their dreams are achievable if they work hard and stay in school."

Director of the Wirrpanda Foundation, David Wirrpanda said he is grateful for the ongoing support of BHP Billiton and was thrilled to be part of the annual visit. "We are always excited to head to Onslow to visit the students and teachers at the school and also have an opportunity to chat with the wider community at the BBQ," he said.

"We are proud to hear that this year’s visit has motivated a number of kids who had not attended school during term two to participate in the program and re-engage with the school." Ms Gove said.