A showcase of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent!
The Stephen Michael Foundation is proud to announce the return of the 2026 Jambinu Football Carnival, taking place on Thursday, 17 September and Friday, 18 September 2026 in Geraldton.
Now in its fourth year, the carnival brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7–10 from across the Midwest and Gascoyne to celebrate culture, develop leadership, strengthen community connections and showcase their football talent in a positive and inclusive environment. The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of Rio Tinto, Principal Partner of the carnival, along with Lotterywest, Healthway, the City of Greater Geraldton, Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC), the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, MEEDAC, Westgold and Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS).
A highlight of this year’s carnival will be the uniforms provided to all players, coaches, umpires and event staff. Featuring original artwork created by carnival participant, Jeremy, aged 15, the uniforms celebrate the creativity and cultural identity of the young people involved.
More than 150 students are expected to participate across boys’ and girls’ divisions, representing schools and communities from throughout Regional WA. Beyond football, the carnival promotes teamwork, resilience, cultural pride and positive wellbeing while creating meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with peers from across the region.
The Stephen Michael Foundation looks forward to welcoming schools, families and communities for another memorable celebration of football, culture and community.
Stephen Michael Foundation CEO, Paul Mugambwa, commented on the opportunity to host the carnival again in 2026.
“The Jambinu Football Carnival has grown into much more than a sporting event. It provides young Aboriginal people from regional and remote communities with the opportunity to proudly represent their communities, celebrate their culture and build confidence, friendships and lasting connections.
“Through football, the Jambinu Carnival also creates valuable leadership opportunities for local coaches, umpires, volunteers and community members. It reflects the Stephen Michael Foundation’s commitment to using sport as a vehicle for education, leadership and wellbeing while helping to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.
“We are incredibly grateful to the local communities, schools, volunteers and organisations whose passion, commitment and collaboration continue to make the carnival possible each year. Their support is at the heart of the Jambinu Carnival’s ongoing success.
“We also sincerely thank our major sponsor, Rio Tinto, together with Healthway, Lotterywest, Westgold, the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC) and the Western Australian Government. Their continued support enables the Jambinu Football Carnival to create meaningful opportunities for young Aboriginal people and ensuresthe carnival continuesto inspire, empower and connect communities across regional Western Australia.”
For additional information or comments, please contact the following Stephen Michael Foundation staff:
Ryan Baumgarten: ryan@smfoundation.org.au
Jay O’Brien: jay@smfoundation.org.au
