The Y WA’s Education Engagement and Attainment Initiative, known locally in Newman as Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la, meaning “Get up young people, let’s go!”, has been recognised at the recent AIM WA Pinnacle Awards, proudly taking home the Kooya Local Engagement Excellence Award. Named by Elders in Martu language to signal hope and forward movement, the initiative is led by First Nations staff and co-designed with the community to strengthen school engagement, wellbeing, and cultural connection.
The Kooya Local Engagement Excellence Award celebrates cross-sector cooperation, shared ownership, and the ability to navigate complex community dynamics through trusted relationships and innovative local action.
Each winner receives a $20,000 prize in AIM WA Workplace Training. The Y WA will reinvest this money back into staff development to strengthen the delivery of programs and services that help children, young people, and local communities to flourish.
Program Coordinator Sammi Ryder, who is of the Whadjak, Yued, Ballardong, Gnaala Karla Boodja, Wagyl Kaip Noongar nations with Jaru connections, said, “For a small, remote community program like ours to be recognised at a state level means so much to our team and to the families who walk alongside us every day. This award acknowledges the strength, resilience and leadership within our community - it isn’t just our win; it belongs to everyone in Newman.
The Y WA’s Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la has reshaped youth support in Newman, recently relocating to a standalone, culturally safe site in East Newman. The service is delivered by First Nations staff with strong community relationships.
The program provides daily drop-ins, meals, mentoring, referrals, and coordinated support with key partners including Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, local schools, and the West Coast Eagles. Early results show higher participation, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and increasing community trust across one of Western Australia’s most remote towns.
Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald added, “Congratulations to Sammi and the entire team who champion authentic community engagement every day. This recognition reflects your dedication, passion, and the meaningful work you do to help children, young people and communities in Newman flourish.”