South Fremantle’s new community multicultural officer, Russell Higgins, brings a wealth of valuable experience and enthusiasm to his latest role.

Higgins has been employed to enhance South Fremantle District’s multicultural program, which aims to use Australian Rules football to help new and emerging communities integrate into the wider community.

Although he is based at Fremantle Oval, Higgins will also work with the district managers and development officers at East Fremantle, East Perth and Perth to assist multicultural programs in those districts.

“Our programs aim to assist not just the kids but also the whole family,” he said.

“It’s looking at getting children and their families participating in football.

“Parents can be involved as well, maybe at the canteens, team managers, coaches or umpiring, and also getting involved with the club administration.”

Most recently,  Higgins spent a year in Tonga working in sports development.

“Last year for 12 months I was part of a program called the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development,” he said.

“Before that I worked with Australian Open tennis in Melbourne, running competitions and tournaments.”

He also studied sports coaching and administration at Melbourne’s Deakin University.

Higgins said he anticipated some challenges in the new role.

 “I think there will be some language difficulties, communicating with people with English as a second language.

“I’ve had some experience of that in Tonga.

“There’s also mobility; making sure children can actually get to training if they don’t live locally.”

South Fremantle plans to conduct development programs and skills clinics in 35 multicultural schools over the next 12 months.

By Lee-Ann Khoh