Families come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own story, strength and beauty. Whether blended, chosen, single-parent, LGBTQIA+, foster, or culturally and linguistically diverse, every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
We the Y WA we believe in creating inclusive spaces where all families can truly belong. Inclusion isn’t just something we value; it’s something we put into action every day through our programs and services. This International Day of Families, we’re shining a light on the many ways our teams work to build welcoming, supportive spaces for families of all kinds.
Connection Through Small Moments
Across our various services, it all starts with one simple idea: connection. The small, everyday moments where we reach out and make someone feel welcome. At our Westminster Early Learning Centre (ELC), connection is embedded in how the team shows up every day.
ELC Director Dinusha Kalupahana said, “It’s through the little things - like greeting every child and family by name, with a smile, eye contact, and a genuine ‘How are you?’ These moments build trust and connection and set a warm, positive tone for the day”. This sense of connection continues throughout the day, as educators maintain open and regular communication with families.
At the Y’s Serpentine Jarrahdale (SJ) Recreation Centre, that same focus on everyday connection shines through. The centre is more than just a place to work out – it's a welcoming community hub for families of all ages. From babies as young as eight weeks old to seniors in their 90s, it offers programs that bring generations together and foster a sense of belonging.
“Our main aim is to be a centre for everyone...It’s about more than just fitness - it’s about building a strong, connected community where families feel they truly belong”, said Centre Manager Nicole Little.
Cultural Reflection and Respect
Connection is also about seeing people for who they are and creating environments where everyone feels represented and respected.
At the Y School in Mirrabooka, the youth work team takes great pride in fostering a culturally safe space for both students and their families. From early conversations with families about cultural needs to dedicated weekly sessions on Culture & Community, the school creates room for students to share their backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions. This isn’t just about one-off celebrations; it’s about weaving respect for cultural diversity into the fabric of the school’s identity.
Initiatives like creating a prayer room on-site, offering flexibility around attendance for cultural observances, and celebrating key cultural days all support students’ sense of belonging. “This helps us create and maintain a diverse and equitable space for everyone who engages with our school,” the team explained.
Practical Support in Challenging Times
Supporting families also means adapting to their changing circumstances. The rising cost of living is affecting families across the state. At Westminster ELC, staff initiated the ‘Parent Assistant Project’ in partnership with Foodbank. This initiative provides families with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and dry food, helping ease financial strain while promoting healthier eating habits. The centre is also working with additional community partners to expand the project and encourages parents in need to reach out for support.
At the Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women, the Y’s 15-year partnership focuses on providing parenting support, life skills workshops, and high-quality early learning programs. This ongoing work strengthens family bonds and supports reintegration, helping mothers build the skills and connections they need to flourish once they are released.
Playgroup Support Worker Emma Stewart works with families who often face significant challenges, with her approach grounded in connection, respect, and community.
“We regularly seek feedback from mothers and grandmothers, children and other family members and encourage them to be part of the decision-making process. This helps shape a playgroup where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and able to contribute,” she said.
Whether it’s planning activities that reflect different cultures or ensuring resources speak to a variety of family structures, Emma’s work is about building bonds that allow families to flourish, even in difficult circumstances.
“It’s about showing families that no matter their circumstances, they matter,” says Emma.
This culture of care isn’t just extended to the families we support; it’s also embedded in how we support our own people. At the Y WA, we are proudly a family-focused organisation. We encourage our team members to show up for the moments that matter such as attending important school events, sports carnivals and performances or caring for a sick loved one. And because we know families come in all forms, we also welcome furry companions to our head office on Fridays, adding a little joy (and a few tail wags) to the workweek.
To further support our people, all eligible staff receive two weeks of paid parental leave; reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to flourish.
Creating a Future Where Everyone Belongs
Whether it’s through the small acts of kindness, the celebration of cultural identities, or the support provided during times of need, the Y WA is committed to making all families feel they belong. This International Day of Families, we celebrate the work that our programs and services are doing to help create stronger, more inclusive communities. Because when we support families, we build stronger communities – and that’s how we create a future where everyone belongs.