- Memorandum of Understanding signed between Cook Labor Government and the Fremantle Dockers Football Club
- Partnership leverages the club's strong community reach to promote awareness of WA's defence industry
- Signing takes place ahead of Fremantle's commemorative Anzac Day match
- Collaboration to support young people, workforce pathways, and broader community engagement
The Cook Labor Government has teamed up with the Fremantle Dockers, kickstarting a new partnership that aims to raise awareness of the opportunities within Western Australia's growing defence industry.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ahead of the Fremantle Dockers' 2026 Len Hall Tribute Game, formalises the collaboration across WA sport, the State's defence industry, and the wider community.
Held annually in honour of Len Hall, Western Australia's last surviving Gallipoli veteran, the Anzac Day fixture is a fitting occasion to mark the new partnership, reflecting shared values of service, mateship, resilience, and community.
Administered by Defence West, the MoU highlights a joint commitment to community engagement and creating new opportunities for Western Australians to explore careers in the defence sector.
The agreement is also a nod to the Dockers' headquarters located near Henderson and HMAS Stirling - WA's primary defence precinct, and a central hub for Australia's future shipbuilding, sustainment, and submarine capability under the AUKUS trilateral partnership.
The Dockers' extensive community footprint across regional and metropolitan WA, including grassroots programs, school outreach, and a strong national profile, offers a powerful platform to highlight the scale and importance of WA's defence industry.
The partnership will explore initiatives such as joint events, leadership and training programs, opportunities for defence industry participation at club activities, and avenues for collaboration that support veterans, youth, and workforce development.
As stated by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:
"This agreement brings together two of Western Australian biggest strengths: our defence industry and our sporting culture, to create meaningful opportunities for the community.
"The Fremantle Dockers reach people right across the State, and this partnershipwillhelp build awareness of careers and capabilities inthe State's defence sector.
"By working with the Dockers, we're connecting local communities with defence activities happening in our own backyard and charting a course for more Western Australians to get involved."
