The AFL premiership player offered tips and support during a football match between visiting team Darling Range Sports College and detainees forming the Banksiaroos football team.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said introducing a range of services and opportunities for young people at Banksia Hill and importantly, linking them to the community, assists rehabilitation and reintegration prospects.
“It’s about providing opportunities for young people to make a safer community for everyone,” Commissioner Royce said.
Acting Deputy Superintendent Operations Colin Muijs said welcoming an away side, coaches and mentors into Banksia Hill helped support young people’s physical and mental health.
“Team sports not only enhance confidence, resilience and self-esteem, they promote social connectedness and having Ben Cousins offer his time to attend this match really resonated with Banksia Hill’s young people,” Deputy Supt Muijs said.
Ben Cousins said he “jumped at the chance” to volunteer, describing it as “rewarding to be able to give back”.
“Hopefully some good can come from my experiences, giving the message that you can turn your life around,” Ben said.
“I know the value of sport and connecting back into the community and it’s important they’re reminded people in the community want to see them leading a positive and productive life.”
“There are some talented kids here and I’ve been really impressed. It’s great to see them working together to accomplish something,” Ben said.
The Department of Justice has worked with the Stephen Michael Foundation across the past two years to deliver weekly sessions at Banksia Hill focused on strengthening young people’s health and wellbeing through sports and other social supports.
The game against Darling Range was the second time this year the Department and the Foundation have organised for an external team to visit the detention centre to play AFL.
Bryan Cousins, Ben’s father and an esteemed former Australian Rules footballer himself, has commenced mentoring work with the Foundation and offered to bring his son in to assist.
“I think there's a bit of a relationship the boys can see, in terms of here’s someone who got himself into trouble, got himself out and now he’s on track,” Bryan said.
“I see a lot of good in these young people and the important role sport, education and other community supports will play in a better future.”
Darling Range Sports College geared up for a tough match against the Banksiaroos and ultimately claimed victory on the scoreboard but called it a win for both sides.
“It's a good opportunity for our players to mix and understand that they've had different paths and experiences in life and we can come together and have a positive experience through sport,” Darling Range Sport College coach Brad Smith said.
“And for Ben Cousins to ruffle their hair or say, “well done, that was a good chase” or whatever, that means a lot. It’s been a bit of a thrill for the boys.”
