WA Labor have pledged $40,000 to the Midwest Netball Academy if elected in the March 9 election.

WA Labor candidate Kathryn Mannion said that Opposition Leader Mark McGowan and shadow minister for health Roger Cook were impressed by the Midwest Netball Academy during visits to Geraldton, and had joined her in “lobbying hard to find money to fund the academy”.

“This is an invaluable program that keeps young indigenous women in school, and teaches them life skills as well,” Ms Mannion said.

“What’s $40,000 compared to the cost of keeping kids in detention? If we can help just one kid to stay away from crime and detention, then, in financial terms alone, the funding is worth it.”

The Midwest Netball Academy is an initiative of Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation, and has been operating for eight years.