Eight-year-old Jirra Taylor from the West Kimberley Junior Football Club’s Starkick centre has emerged as the winner of the Healthway ‘Go for 2&5’ Everyday competition, which encouraged young participants to showcase how they embrace healthy eating habits. 

The West Australian Football Commission’s partnership with Healthway is focused on creating healthier environments across all levels of the game, while promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity and supporting the culture of wellbeing in the football community.  

West Kimberley JFC and Starkick participant Jirra submitted a photo collage, which made him the proud recipient of a sporting goods gift voucher, a Burley football and ‘Go for 2&5’ footy pack. 

Jirra's mum, Holliandra, shared how thrilled he was to use his voucher, saying he picked out "cool new shoes" and gave a thumbs up to his selection.  

“Jirra is a very strong visual learner so when the opportunity to enter a competition to show our healthy lifestyle, he was more than happy to go through many pictures taken of our family life,” Holliandra said. 

“We are proud to live in the West Kimberley where we are privileged to be surrounded by family and culture.” 

The photo collage showcases Jirra, along with his family at Aardyaloon using a thrownet catching bait. Cucumbers and bananas from their homegrown garden are also featured. Jirra’s dad caught and cooked the squid, and another image shows Jirra with his big brother PJ Gallagher and dad Jerome Hunter after winning their Round 6 match for the Peninsula Bombers. The family also prepared a traditional sesame dish, made with freshly caught fish and vegetables from their garden. 

This year West Kimberley JFC launched the Starkick program, an all-abilities football program supporting children aged five to 17, which has given Jirra and his family the opportunity to participate in footy. 

“Jirra had tried out Auskick when he was younger, but as kids get older you want them to have more suitable supports and involvement in sports,” Holliandra explained. 

“Starkick has created the opportunity to come along to the ovals to get used to being surrounded by teammates and practice footy like every other child gets to experience in Broome. 

“I would definitely like to see Starkick visit more remote communities and small towns.” 

Starkick has 29 centres across WA including nine regional centres.