Our dedicated team makes a difference in many ways
Situated in the Indian Ocean, 2,600 kilometres from Perth, Christmas Island is home to around 1,800 people. This tight-knit community may be isolated from the Australian mainland, but that doesn’t stop them from dreaming big.
Serco has been part of the local community for more than a decade. Over this time, our people have worked hard to support this community and deliver initiatives that have a positive impact.
One such initiative is the Christmas Island Robbers Junior Rugby League team’s participation in the 2022 Harmony Cup Rugby League Competition in Perth. Teams from all over Western Australia compete in this event, which provides an opportunity for different cultures to come together in harmony.
Serco’s involvement in the Christmas Island Robbers Rugby League Club goes beyond spectating. From the Club President to Head Coach and volunteers who facilitate training and matches, our employees are embedded in the team.
Justice & Immigration Managing Director, Michael Strickland said Serco’s local team regularly dedicate their personal time to the development and running of the Club and are passionate about delivering the best opportunities for all players.
“2022 has been a tough year for the Club with COVID restrictions impacting training and opportunities to play. Fundraising opportunities were also severely limited, which is an important part of keeping the Club going,” Mr Strickland said.
“Throughout the year, our employees have led several fundraising activities to support the team’s trip to Perth. We are also delighted to have directly contributed $5,000 from Serco to support this effort.”
“This wonderful demonstration of Serco’s values has brought a community together to support an incredible opportunity for young players on the island.”
Over the past 12 months, Serco and our employees on Christmas Island have raised more than $12,000 for the Christmas Island Robbers Rugby League Club.
As Head Coach, James Falanitama is passionate with the U16s program and dedicates large amounts of his personal time to training and development sessions.
“I love what I do and have been so passionate about the program as it is our connection to introducing a game very rarely played on the island, but followed by so many,” Mr Falanitama said.
“As we are so isolated and with the interruption of COVID, our means to take our U16s to Perth has been a tough road. The fundraising has been so great by the community and club members.”
On Friday 21 October 2022, the team and their coaches said their goodbyes, and parents and supporters wished everyone luck as they departed Christmas Island to meet the challenge ahead.
The Robbers played four games throughout the tournament, which provided invaluable experience for the young players, some of whom had never played a competitive game of rugby league before.