The Y WA is pleased to announce their Education, Engagement and Attainment services in Newman have moved into a new dedicated hub where energy, ideas, and community connection come together. Located in the heart of the community at 7 Kurrawan Way, East Newman, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, students and families will be able to access services to support school attendance, engage in outreach programs and receive holistic support on a case-by-case basis.
Marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Y Newman team, the hub will focus on four key areas of activity. Engagement with families to build and solidify relationships with a focus on helping with their child’s education, delivering programs and events in the community that add value to the families and young people they are working with, offering a dedicated space for Elders and families to host a new Early childhood playgroup and building a rewards and recognition program for young people – celebrating achievements and regular school attendance.
CEO of the Y WA Dr Tim McDonald said, “The Y is committed to providing impactful services for children and young people. We know we can achieve impactful outcomes, because it is backed by research and when we create environments that include sustained positive relationships, skill building opportunities and opportunities for contribution, we know that children, young people and families can flourish.”
Another significant achievement for the Y Newman is the naming of the program. Previously called the Education, Engagement & Attainment Initiative (EEAI), the Y WA consulted with Elders, families and community members to name the program, which has successfully been operating in the region for over 6 years.
Through many months of conversations, yarning, and shared stories, the new name reflects both the Y WA’s purpose and place in the community. It is now called Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la!’ This means ‘Get up young people. Let’s go!’, a name that truly gives meaning to the program.
Y WA CEO Tim McDonald adds, “Working closely with the community around the services we will be offering, as well as the name of the program, has been vital. Their support, wisdom and cultural knowledge has guided our work, and we couldn’t be prouder to launch this dedicated space and it’s fitting name.”
Based in Newman, Y WA Program Coordinator, Sammi Ryder said, “Having this dedicated space for our community is a game changer and allows our services and funding from NIAA to target the children who are most in need, assisting us to work toward closing the gap.”
“We will still collect young people for school in the bus every day as we always have, but now they can drop into our centre, get some good food in their bellies, learn some cooking skills at the same time, and be looking sharp and ready for school, just like all their peers. We are also collaborating with other service providers to ensure our community can access services they need, when they need it.”
Sammi adds, “We saw an opportunity to increase our connection to community with a dedicated space. We have been championing for this since then, so to see it all fall into place is significant and will have a profound impact on our children and families. There is so much happening, we are excited about what this next chapter will bring to our community.”
The new space has been made possible thanks to a lease agreement from BHP, demonstrating a shared commitment to the community that has enabled the Y WA to fulfil their dream of having a dedicated space located in the heart of the community, enabling and encouraging greater community access and participation.
The Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), who fund services aimed at ‘Closing the Gap’. The program will operate Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm or as needed, welcoming young people, families and Elders to come together in a safe space and access vital services.
The Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! program is committed to making a real difference and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the Newman region are provided with a quality education and support encompassing everything from providing transport, school supplies, stationery, uniforms, lunches, referral to other services, outreach programs, sporting programs, food, activities and more.