A strong track record in youth and community initiatives were key to Rio Tinto extending its support for the Stephen Michael Foundation (SMF).
The $2.8 million funding by Pilbara's iron ore powerhouse meant SMF could reach more towns in the South West, Mid West, and metropolitan areas to work with communities across Western Australia.
The Foundation's core programs are designed to build confidence, leadership skills and general wellbeing of young Indigenous people, while opening pathways to education and employment.
The next phase of the partnership with Rio would cement current evidence-informed programs for young people through sport, leadership and culturally responsive activities.
Initiatives delivered in partnership with schools, communities and local stakeholders were having a place-based, sustainable impact in across remote WA communities.
Mr Michael - a Noongar man from Wagin and Kojonup - became one of WA's most celebrated players ever, renowned for his strength, agility, skill and leadership, and loyalty and humility.
The SMF Patron and WAFL legend said the ongoing partnership with Rio Tinto helped create lasting opportunities for the next generation.
"This partnership is about giving young people the belief and opportunities they deserve," he said.
"When we invest in our kids and walk alongside communities we create stronger futures, not just for individuals, but whole regions.
"It's powerful seeing young people grow in confidence and take pride in who they are."
The 2025 AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree said the Foundation supported young people, no matter their background, gender or ability, with sport just a starting point for SMF.
"Sir Doug stood for leadership, opportunity and community, and that's the legacy we strive to continue across WA, on and off the field," the South Fremantle legend and All Australian said.
Foundation CEO Paul Mugambwa said Rio Tinto's extension reflected SMF's ongoing and successful positive outcomes remote communities.
"We've seen firsthand the impact sustained, community-led investment can have," he said.
"This next phase allows us to deepen our work in regional communities, while continuing targeted metro initiatives that support young people to thrive."
Rio Tinto iron ore general manager communities Molly Singline praised the partnership and Foundation for playing important roles across WA.
"The Stephen Michael Foundation creates moments that stay with young people, and we're pleased our partnership can continue supporting programs that build confidence, connection and skills in ways that help shape young people's futures, particularly in regional communities," she said.
SMF's partnership also entailed student visits to Rio Tinto sites, while other programs helped improve their school attendance and engagement and build leadership skills.
"[This helps students] see real workplaces and imagine pathways they may not have considered before," Ms Singline said.
Other school-based programs embraced culture through sport and cultural connections, coaching, nutrition, sport in schools, sporting carnivals, developing regional talent academies, sport-focused initiatives for Aboriginal girls, umpiring and other services for those with special needs, as well as a program for youths in Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
