Y Whittlesea Embrace Our School ReadY Program
In February, staff from the Y Whittlesea Orchard Road Community and Early Learning Centre (ELC) travelled to Western Australia for an enriching professional development opportunity.
During their visit, the team observed firsthand how the Y WA School ReadY Program is improving the oral language and early literacy of children at the Y WA ELCs. The two-day visit focused on the Literacy and Language component of the School ReadY program. With professional learning sessions to equip the visiting staff with the tools and knowledge needed to bring the program’s vital elements to life at their own centre.
Among those attending the training were Early Childhood Teachers Aph and Sally, Centre Director Rosa, and ELC Manager Rebecca, all of whom left feeling inspired and eager to implement the program in their own classrooms.
Reflecting on the experience, Sally said, “I had the incredible opportunity to attend the School ReadY Program training in February and found it to be insightful, interesting, and incredibly relevant… Getting to practice these skills [hands-on] with Renee and get her [Renee’s] advice was invaluable.”
“Seeing the program in action at [the Y] Baldivis service was fantastic. I loved seeing how engaged the children were and how effective the program was in action.”
“I have always had a focus on language and literacy in my practice, and this program will allow me to take it up to the next level. I’m excited to see how the program improves literacy outcomes for my children.”
The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for collaborative learning, and both the Y Whittlesea and the Y WA are eager to continue working together. By partnering for progress, they aim to ensure a sustainable, long-term impact for the children and young people of Western Australia.
Youth Development in Education
At the Y WA, we believe in the transformative power of education as the foundation for lifelong flourishing. Through our Curriculum and Re-engagement (CARE) School, we harness the science of learning, Individualised Education Plans and wrap-around social-emotional support to re-engage vulnerable and disengaged students, helping them to experience mastery and academic success.
Positive Youth Development Practices in Education Lead to Flourishing – a Theory of Change
The Y School Theory of Change articulates how, by engaging in all that the school offers, students can flourish in the short-, medium- and long-term:
By developing positive, sustained relationships with Y School educators and youth workers, engaging in effective skill-building opportunities, and contributing to the development of their pathways into further education, training or work, students build positive connections with peers, staff and the Y School community and develop competencies for school, work and life. Students grow confident, care for others and reinforce their sense of character through increased motivation to be an active learner, participate in the school community & make positive change.
This Theory of Change is aligned to the 5Cs Model of Positive Youth Development, an overarching evidence-informed theory that is applied consistently across Y WA Metro Youth Engagement and Education initiatives.
As young people grow in 5C outcomes over time, they flourish.
Through opportunities to develop relationships Young People learn that they can trust others.
Through a sense of achievement, Young People learn that they have talent.
Through developing responsibility, Young People learn that they have power to make choices and develop autonomy.
In working with others, Young People have the opportunity to see that their life has purpose.
In the long term, these developmental outcomes increase the likelihood that each young person will make positive contributions to themselves, their family, and their community.
Measuring Flourishing at the Y School
This Theory of Change is operationalised (or, ‘bought to life’) through the creation of a Y School Logic Model and Evaluation Framework that identifies measurable indicators to help track whether we are delivering the impact described in the Theory of Change.
In the Y School Logic Model, school belonging is identified as an essential primary outcome that must be realised for vulnerable, disengaged students to reengage in schooling. The indicator tests three factors that contribute to school belonging:
- Support – Feeling that the school as a whole supports and cares about the student
- Rule Acceptance – Perceptions that the school rules are purposeful, fair and reasonable; pupil’s perception of disciplinary climate
- Attachment – Perceptions of connectedness and enjoyment of being at the school
These factors represent essential components of the Y School model which emphasises the provision of holistic support, promotion of positive behavior in classrooms, and creating a positive environment that students feel good being part of.
5C outcomes are measured with the 5Cs Student Questionnaire (Very Short Form), a 17-item survey that assesses a young person’s psychological, behavioural, and social characteristics as described in the table below.
The 5Cs can be reported as individual sub-scale scores from 0 to 20, or an aggregate PYD score from 0 to 100.
Celebrating Maturity in Social Impact Data Analysis
A significant milestone in the reporting period is the development of a 5C PYD Score interpretation guide, developed from the 1000 5C PYD scores captured from young people in Y WA Youth Programs and Services since 2023. With greater maturity in understanding how young people respond to surveys, we are able to better interpret what meaningful change looks like over time.
Understanding Results of 2024 Social Impact Assessment at the Y School
Students complete social impact surveys at the start of Term 1 in 2024, and once again at the end of Term 3.
41 students contributed data through the 2024 Term 1 Baseline survey, a significant increase from piloting our 5Cs data capture at the Y School in 2023. 32 students responded to T3 surveys in 2024. 17 students completed both a T1 and T3 5Cs survey.
The average 5Cs PYD Score for Y School Students in Term 1 2024 was 59.5, a low score. This represents significant vulnerability within the cohort, with low scores in the domains of Caring and Confidence, and below average scores in Character, Competence and Connection. We interpret this to mean that Y School students having multiple barriers to Flourishing at the start of the school year.
However, by the end of Term 3, the average 5Cs PYD score had increased to 63.6 – a significant increase, from a low score to one that is below average. For the 17 students who completed both a pre and post survey, the average change in individual PYD score was 3.29 – a promising result.
The domains which saw most significant improvements were Caring, indicating that students made good progress in developing pro-social skills like sympathy and empathy, and also Character, reflecting an improvement in traits such as having a social conscience, taking responsibility for actions and valuing diversity.
Students’ sense of school belonging also improved from Term 1 to Term 3, with more positive assessments of the support they receive at the school, their acceptance of rules in place, and their sense of attachment to the school.
These positive results are a true testament to the team of educators and Youth Workers at the Y School, whose commitment to providing consistent, holistic support to students drives real, meaningful change for this cohort.
Growth in school belonging and 5C outcomes are reflected in positive academic and workplace outcomes, with 31 2024 Year 12 students choosing to pursue further education, training or work opportunities after their final year at the Y School. These are significant outcomes for students who, only a few years ago, had disengaged from the formal schooling system, and provide testament to the Y’s belief in the transformative power of education as the foundation for lifelong flourishing.
Interstate Collaboration to Get Children School ReadY
In February 2025, Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG) began implementing our School ReadY Program across nine of their Catholic Early Learning Centres (ELCs).
CECG is focusing on the Literacy and Language component of the program, which supports children aged 3–5 to develop oral language and early literacy skills – key foundations for success in formal schooling.
After learning of the program’s success, a team of six CECG delegates visited Y WA ELCs in Perth. During their visit, they observed the skilled and passionate Y WA team in action, spoke with educators delivering the program, and spent time with the Y WA Literacy Specialist and Social Impact Lead team to explore the program’s research base, development process, and the assessment tools used.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald emphasised the significance of this collaboration. He said, “this collaboration will enable early years educators and teachers across the country to share resources and strategies to further enhance children’s early literacy outcomes and provide comparative data to ensure these outcomes are on-going.”
This partnership marks an exciting step forward in national collaboration on early years education. Both the Y WA and CECG are committed to ongoing feedback, data sharing and continuous improvement – ensuring all children have the best possible start to their learning journey, and the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond.
Empowering Educators and Strengthening Futures
At the Y WA, Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza is transforming early education through her innovative coaching model for the School ReadY Program. Focused on the Literacy and Language domain, Renee equips educators with the skills and confidence to deliver evidence-based lessons that give children across Western Australia (WA) the best possible start to school and beyond.
This year alone, Renee has provided training to more than 50 staff and facilitated over 30 coaching sessions across the state. She also collaborates with other institutions, develops resources, and engages families to strengthen children’s literacy outcomes.
A highlight of this year was the August professional learning days which brought together 35 educators, centre directors, outside school hours care coordinators, and head office staff.
After the two days, 23 survey responses were captured from those who participated. 100% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement, ‘I feel adequately prepared to put what I learned into practice’.
One participant said, “the training was fun and professional; I learned a lot that I am now confident to implement.” Another shared, “I feel very positive about helping to grow young minds for future schooling.”
Renee continues to build on the strong foundations of the School ReadY Program, building educator capacity, ensuring educators feel empowered and setting children up to flourish across WA.
Children at Baldivis ELC Benefit from ECU Student Speech Pathologists
The demand for speech therapy and early intervention services in Western Australia continues to rise, with some families waiting more than three years for support. To help address this need, we partnered with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to provide practical, on-the-job experience for third-year speech pathology students, while giving children at Y WA’s Baldivis Early Learning Centre (ELC) access to much-needed additional support.
As part of the pilot program, ECU students from the School of Medical and Health Science attended the centre weekly over a 12-week period under the supervision of a qualified clinical educator. Their focus was on identifying and supporting developmentally vulnerable children, while also strengthening the skills of educators and providing resources for families across all Y WA ELCs.
This collaboration builds on the Y WA’s School ReadY Program, which operates across all 14 Y WA ELCs. The program supports children aged 3 to 5 in three key domains: literacy and language, social and emotional wellbeing, and numeracy. Central to this is a Language Screen (Tier 1), which helps identify children who need extra support with literacy and language skills. Those requiring a higher level of support move into Tier 2 intervention, which includes working closely with a speech pathologist.
At the Y Baldivis ELC, 12 of 45 children screened as requiring additional support. The Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza said, “when we identify the need for intervention, we have an established method in place, but having the extra support from speech pathology students at ECU is a win for our organisation, our families, and our children. Early intervention is the key to making sure children do not start school behind and it is much harder to remediate a learning difficult the longer it is left.”
The initiative not only benefits children directly but also builds long-term capacity of educators. Staff at Baldivis are supported to embed intervention strategies into their daily practice, ensuring children continue to receive assistance beyond the student placements.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald highlighted the broader impact. He said, “for children that do not do a language screen at this age, they risk their difficulties with language not being picked up, which could lead in the long term to difficulty reading, learning, and issues with all academic endeavours. Our School ReadY Program aims to address these challenges head on and this partnership with ECU is bolstering what we are already successfully doing within the program.”
Through this partnership, the Y WA is demonstrating its commitment to early intervention – helping children gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need for a successful transition into school and beyond.
Our People in Pride: Marching with LGBTQIA+ Communities
This year, we were proud to support a group of dedicated Y WA Staff to march with a custom-made float in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade.
Expressions of interest were called from across the state with three staff being selected to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and the Y WA.
Among those selected was Mitch Dyer, a Youth Worker from our Drumbeat Program run out of our Armadale Youth Centre. In his role, Mitch supports young people to embrace their individuality and feel confident to be themselves.
“Queer young people grow up absorbing so much shame and stigma, but we are resilient and have the power to overcome this and thrive,” he said.
Participating in Mardi Gras was also a significant personal milestone for Mitch who grew up queer in a regional town with a conservative family.
“It was not always easy for me to be myself. Now, as a young adult I believe that having the freedom to express oneself authentically is essential to living a fulfilling life”, Mitch said.
Joining Mitch in this exciting opportunity was Mosman Park OSHC Supervisor Steevie Harper. Through Steevie’s involvement in Mardi Gras, she aimed to share a powerful message that, “you can be whoever you want to – love who you want – and there are always going to be people who love and support you in return”.
For Steevie, Mardi Gras is about celebrating individuality, love and acceptance. “It [Mardi Gras] helps people see that it is okay to be who you are and be that person out loud”, she said.
Austin Von Garavillas, a Nursery Room Leader at the Y Port Hedland Early Learning Centre was also part of the group who attended. Though naturally an introverted person, Austin was excited about the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone.
At the Y WA, we’re passionate about giving our people opportunities to express their authentic selves, be proud of who they are and ultimately flourish. We look forward to providing more opportunities like this for our people.
A Decade of Unwavering Dedication
As we reflect on another year of growth and impact at the Y WA, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible dedication of our team members who have been with us for 10 years. Their commitment and passion have not only strengthened our organisation but also shaped the lives of countless children, young people, and families throughout the community.
These employees embody the heart and soul of the Y. For a decade or more, they’ve helped us live out our mission – creating spaces where young people can flourish, supporting them through every challenge, and celebrating their every success. Their unwavering dedication, deep sense of purpose, and compassion inspire us all.
To our 10-year team members, we thank you for your years of service, for believing in the power of community, and for making an enduring impact. Your contributions have been a vital part of our journey, and we look forward to many more years of creating a flourishing future together.
Celebrating Our People at the 2024 Y WA Awards
Each year, the Y WA Staff Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals and teams who live our values, go above and beyond in their roles, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, and communities. This year’s winners exemplify the dedication, courage, and innovation that define our organisation.
Safeguarding Award – Currambine OSHC Team
In 2024, the Currambine OSHC team demonstrated remarkable courage in addressing significant safeguarding challenges. Guided by their new supervisor, Michelle Crossley, the team prioritised the safety and wellbeing of children in line with Y WA values. By engaging children in regular conversations about safety, they empower them to speak up, feel safe, and be safe—not only at the Y, but also at home and in the wider community.
Power of Inspired Young People Award – Josh Peckover
At just 21, Josh has revitalised the Y WA Youth Parliament program with his strategic vision and collaborative approach. He has strengthened community connections, created meaningful volunteer opportunities, and inspired confidence through his calm and mature leadership. Josh’s work is not only shaping the future of Youth Parliament, while also inspiring the next generation of community-minded leaders.
Lin Doust Award for Human Flourishing – Lynda Bullock
A cornerstone of The Y School, Lynda has made a profound impact as both leader and mentor. From stepping in as Acting Principal to guiding 30 students through the Keys4Life program and supporting Uni Prep students—85% of whom progressed to further study or employment—Lynda’s leadership has transformed student outcomes. She also developed initiatives to lift OLNA results, helping students achieve academic success. Calm, supportive, and always dignified, she has earned deep respect from students and colleagues alike.
Sir George Williams Team Award – Boronia Playgroup
Led by Emma and Amanda, the Boronia Playgroup team delivers life-changing support for incarcerated mothers and their children at the Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women. Their personalised workshops, playgroup activities, and life skills sessions help strengthen family bonds and prepare mothers for re-entry into society. Despite the challenges of working within a restricted environment, their commitment, creativity and innovation create lasting positive change, embodying Y WA values and driving social impact.
WA Shines on the National Stage at Y Australia Awards
The Y WA continues to make its mark nationally, with two outstanding team members recognised at the 2024 Y Australia Awards. Their achievements reflect the strength, passion and commitment of Y WA staff who make a difference in their communities every day.
Hero Award – Sammi Ryder
Based in Newman, Sammi has been a key part of the Education Engagement and Attainment Initiative for the past four years. She is known for her warmth, creativity and genuine care when engaging with young people and families, often adjusting her schedule to meet community needs.
Sammi’s impact was particularly evident through her support of seven Newman young people and their families to participate in the 2023 Kokoda Trek. This experience helped them build confidence, skills and resilience, and showcased Sammi’s dedication to helping young people flourish. Colleagues describe her as positive, collaborative and deeply committed to achieving the best outcomes for every young person.
Safeguarding Award – Sreej Pradhan
Sreej was recognised nationally for his leadership in safeguarding within Youth Services. He is committed to ensuring the voices of children and young people are central to every decision, and he continuously works to strengthen safeguarding practices across his team.
Sreej is developing a practical guide for staff on responding to safeguarding concerns and embedding safe practices at the service level. His proactive approach, combined with his reflective leadership, has set a high standard for safeguarding not only within Youth Services but across the Y nationally.
Y School Students Flourish at ‘Now I Own’ Exhibition
Twenty-five Year 10 and 11 students from the Y School showcased their creativity at the Now I Own exhibition, at the Council House Gallery. Each student selected their preferred creative medium, ranging from documentary making and painting to ink drawing, producing a final project that reflected their individual creative journeys.
The program encouraged students to experiment with a variety of mediums, including collage, spoken word, and abstract art, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Teachers Kylie and Alex guided students throughout the process, helping them find their authentic voices. Kylie explained, “This exploration is pivotal in helping young people find their authentic voice, unlocking the key to their future success in flourishing as well-rounded individuals – mind, body, and spirit”.
The program has proven to be a favourite among students at Y School, who have found it to be inspiring and transformative. One student shared, “this program has been very helpful in making me come back to school because I look forward to each session. I particularly enjoyed collaborating with one of my classmates on our final project together. It also makes me talk to people and classmates that I wouldn’t normally talk to. It gives me a lot of freedom, and I didn’t have to follow a set of curricula or conform to a particular creative style.”
Another student added, “I love this program, and I’ve learned a lot more than at any other school. I feel proud of what I’ve achieved here. Creativity helps me work at a pace that I’m comfortable with. This helps me socialise and interact with others.”
The ‘Now I Own’ exhibition celebrates more than artistic talent, it highlights how creativity empowers students to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. Congratulations to all Y School students and teachers for this remarkable achievement.
Y School Expands to Support More WA Youth
This year, the Y School expanded its Mirrabooka campus to provide educational support for an additional 50 young people seeking an alternative to mainstream education.
The new facilities include a flexible, multi-purpose space designed to foster high-impact instruction, personalised learning, and effective pathway planning. The environment fosters a collaborative culture, community connection, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring every student feels valued and motivated.
Y School Principal Liz Parker, who brings over 20 years’ experience working with at-risk youth, leading programs and alternative schools, said, “we recognise that knowledge, connection and belonging are central to the educational success of our young people. It’s vital that we nurture relationships with these students so we can help them map their future pathways and build and strengthen their individual characters, so they can flourish as positive members of their communities.”
Liz empahsised that the expansion that the expansion goes beyond just a physical upgrade, “with this new space, we’re not just expanding our facilities; we’re expanding our ability to offer individualised support and opportunities for all students.”
Success stories from Y School include students presenting at a National Youth Summit in Parliament House, Canberra, and others joining programs like the Kokoda Leadership and Development Program. Additionally, students have secured positions with the Australian Defence Force, the WA Police Academy, and pursued other unique learning opportunities.
Liz also noted that many former students have gone on to gain full-time employment, apprenticeships, and further training. This year, for the first time, students can apply for university through the UniPrep course offered in partnership with Edith Cowan University.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald highlighted the importance of such initiatives. He said, “at the Y, we believe that a strong education is fundamental to young people flourishing in body, mind, and spirit. Schools like this, which offer alternative methodologies, are vital in helping these young people reach their full potential.”
With close to 100 students now enrolled, and numbers expected to grow, the expansion demonstrates Y School’s commitment to offering meaningful, life-changing educational opportunities for young people across Western Australia.
Y School Students Flourish in and out of the Classroom
In October, Y School students came together for their dinner dance, a highlight of the school year. The event brought joy to 53 current students, four university/RTO placement students, and 28 staff.
For many students, it was a milestone they never expected to experience after leaving mainstream schooling. “Many of these students didn’t think they would have the chance to attend a ball or dinner dance when they left mainstream high school,” said Youth Worker Janelle.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald also highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that taking an alternative educational path doesn’t mean missing out on life’s special moments.
The evening’s highlights included student-nominated awards recognising peers who embodied the 5Cs. The 5Cs – Competence, Connection, Character, Confidence, and Caring – are key qualities that when nurtured, lead to a sixth C: Contribution. This final ‘C’ represents the profound impact young people can have when they are empowered to contribute positively to their communities and society at large.
With an atmosphere full of excitement, laughter, and even a group dance to the iconic YMCA, the event showcased how Y School students are flourishing academically, socially, and emotionally. It was a celebration not only of their achievements, but of the strong, supportive community they are building together.
Celebrating World Basketball Day with the Perth Wildcats
On December 21, we proudly celebrated World Basketball Day alongside the Perth Wildcats for the second consecutive year.
World Basketball Day is especially meaningful for the Y WA, as it commemorates the day Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor with the Y, first invented the game of basketball. Naismith created the game at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, to keep his students active during the cold winter months.
On August 25, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/77/324, officially proclaiming December 21 as World Basketball Day. This resolution encourages people around the world to play, watch, and engage with the sport. In celebration of this global occasion, we are excited to continue our partnership with the Perth Wildcats to promote basketball’s ability to build community, inclusivity, and connection.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “Dr. Naismith’s creation was all about keeping students connected and engaged – goals we hold close at the Y. Basketball, like many of our programs, fosters a sense of community and provides a safe, inclusive space for everyone, no matter their background or identity.”
Since partnering with the Wildcats in 2023, the Y WA has played an integral role in enhancing the fan experience through the Y WA Fan Zone at all home games at RAC Arena. This interactive, fun-filled zone opens an hour before each game, offering activities such as basketball hoops, face painting, photo booths, colouring in, height charts, player cutouts, and physical challenges like jump tests.
We look forward to expanding our partnership even further and creating more opportunities for connection and engagement with the community. As a not-for-profit with over 100 years of service in Western Australia, the Y WA remains committed to fostering inclusive and empowering experiences for children, young people, and families across the state.
Together with the Wildcats, we are proud to celebrate a game that unites people around the world – building strength in body, mind, and spirit for all.
Three Big Wins for the Y Kalgoorlie
We were proud to see the Y Kalgoorlie team take home three major awards at the 2025 City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Youth Awards!
Youth Organisation of the Year – The Y Kalgoorlie
A huge congratulations to the entire Y Kalgoorlie team for being recognised as Youth Organisation of the Year! This award reflects the powerful work the team is doing every day to empower young people, especially through your programs in remote communities, partnerships with local schools, and life-changing youth health and wellbeing initiatives. Their involvement in programs like the Kokoda Leadership and Development Program is transforming lives, and this recognition is so well-deserved.
Youth Worker of the Year – Heather Momo
A huge congratulations to Heather, our incredible Youth Coordinator, who was honoured as Youth Worker of the Year. With over a decade of experience supporting young people across the Goldfields, Heather is a true changemaker. Her commitment to outreach, mentoring, and delivering community-based programs is making a lasting impact across Leonora, Laverton, Coolgardie, Kurrawang, and beyond.
Young Achiever Award – Tehniesha Yorkshire
Congratulations to Tehniesha Yorkshire, a proud participant of our Kokoda Youth Leadership and Development Program, who was awarded the Young Achiever Award. Tehniesha showed incredible strength and resilience completing the gruelling 96km Kokoda Track; and has since become a passionate youth leader, sharing her journey through NAIDOC events, local media, and inspiring other young people to believe in their own potential.
These awards are a powerful reminder of the positive impact the Y is having in regional WA, and we’re so proud of our Goldfields team.
Global Connections at YMCA Summit in Kenya
In November, three representatives from the Y WA joined a global gathering of Y leaders at the World YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya.
The summit was a powerful reminder that we are part of a truly global movement – one that reaches over 65 million people each year. Together, our people celebrated the progress of Vision 2030 and its four Pillars of Impact: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, and Just World. Through collaborative workshops and discussions, attendees helped shape the strategic direction for the next two years.
The Y WA was proudly represented by Allison Ross (Executive Manager of People and Culture), Anjie Brook (Executive Manager of Education, Youth, and Leisure), and Frances Steen (General Manager of Finance). All of whom returned deeply inspired by the experience.
Allison said, “it was inspiring to hear stories and achievements from YMCAs around the world and to see our Vision 2030 progressing. I valued having the time to talk to colleagues all over the world and find the similarities in what we are doing, but more importantly the chance to share learnings and partnerships and explore opportunities for leveraging these in Australia and Western Australia.
The Summit also included site visits to local organisations in Mombasa, offering firsthand insight into impactful community initiatives.
The experience strengthened our global connections, reaffirmed our purpose, and reinforced our shared commitment to supporting children, young people, and communities, both at home and across the world.
New Dedicated Space in Newman to Support Children
The Y WA’s long-running Education, Engagement and Attainment Initiative in Newman has entered an exciting new phase with the opening of a dedicated community hub at 7 Kurrawan Way, East Newman.
Located in the heart of the community, the new space offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, students, and families access to vital services that support school attendance, outreach engagement, and holistic support on a case-by-case basis. The hub focuses on four key areas:
- Building strong relationships with families to support education
- Delivering programs and events for families and young people
- Hosting a new early childhood playgroup in partnership with local Elders
- Launching a rewards and recognition program for young people to celebrate achievements and regular school attendance
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald said, “the Y [WA] 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 program was the renaming process. After months of yarning and consultation with Elders and community members, the initiative now proudly carries the name ‘Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la!’. This means ‘Get up young people. Let’s go!’ – a powerful expression of the program’s purpose and spirit.
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 the National Indigenous Australians Agency (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.”
The new hub was made possible through a lease agreement with BHP, reflecting a shared commitment to community-led impact. The program is funded by NIAA, who fund services aimed at ‘Closing the Gap’.
Operating weekdays from 7am to 4pm, Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! offers a safe, inclusive space where young people, families, and Elders can come together, access support, and flourish.
Our South Hedland Child and Parent Centre Turns Ten!
The Child and Parent Centre (CPC) in South Hedland celebrated their 10th birthday with families, community members and stakeholders on Tuesday 17 June. The CPC is a crucial resource for the community, providing early childhood support, service and programs to parents with children up to 8 years of age, including expecting parents.
South Hedland was the first CPC in WA, with the Y WA being selected to operate the centre back in 2014 to support a community with a high proportion of Aboriginal children and children with English as a second language, many of whom faced health and developmental challenges in their early years.
While there are some standardised features of the CPC model, all CPCs are tailored to meet the unique needs of the community they serve and support families to grow school-ready children. After 10 years, the Y WA CPC team are continuously adapting and evolving their service delivery, reflecting local data and ongoing consultation with local families and schools.
The Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald said, “this 10-year milestone demonstrates that vulnerable families in the Pilbara can rely on Y WA services to assist families and children, they can seek us out when they need community connection and lean on us to gain access to a diverse range of integrated health and education services that will help them navigate the early childhood years.”
The CPC South Hedland has many valued partnerships including the Earbus Foundation who through the CPC, provides regular access to ear screening and treatment for under 5’s, with a focus on Aboriginal and at-risk children and a purpose-built clinical area of the CPC that delivers information and group sessions as well as hosting a Child Health Nurse, Dietitian, Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist.
Other services coordinated by the CPC team include immunisations, maternal health workshops, early learning programs, supported playgroups, school holiday programs, mum and bubs groups, programs on food education and positive parenting and collaboration with providers such as Ngala during their visits to the Pilbara.
Tim added, “After 10 years of operating the CPC South Hedland, we are excited to see how we can continue to support parents and children to flourish. In 2025 we will continue to seek parent and school feedback and review local data and research to design new program offerings to meet families where they are at and support them to be healthy, connected and to flourish.”
CEO Embraces the Magic of Reading During Book Week 2024
2024 Book Week celebrations provided a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of early literacy and share our passion for reading with children across our local community.
The Y WA CEO, Dr. Tim McDonald, delighted in sharing his passion for reading with children at our Dianella Heights Outside School Hours Care service and Baldivis Early Learning Centre. He chose to read ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’, a cherished book from our early literacy School ReadY Program.
The week was all about nurturing a love for reading, a central focus of our early literacy School ReadY Program, that is laying strong foundations in the early years to ensure children have the building blocks to flourish when they enter school and beyond.
Tim said, “we know that reading is essential for learning and growth, in school and beyond. By teaching early literacy and oral language skills, we’re giving children at our centres the best possible start.”
The week culminated in a vibrant celebration at Kewdale Primary School, where we joined Nova’s Nathan, Nat, and Shaun who hosted their Breakfast show live from the school! Their presence certainly added an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable week.
From classic storybook characters to imaginative creations, the costumes were spectacular, and the day was briming with joy, laughter, and a shared love for reading.
As we reflect on this wonderful week, we’re excited to continue to champion the magic of reading all year-round through our innovative School ReadY Program.
Youth Workers Inspire at Fairground Conference 2025
Two of our exceptional youth workers, Blade and Shikara, were invited to speak at this year’s Fairground Conference, hosted by the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) on Friday 13 June.
The theme for Fairground 2025 was “Connecting for Change”, and Blade and Shikara contributed their expertise through a powerful presentation titled “Responding to Change for Educational Perseverance.”
Their session explored the evolving challenges young people face in education—and how a responsive, strengths-based approach can create meaningful pathways to success.
For Shikara, the inspiration for their presentation came directly from the young people at The Y School, whose resilience and determination drive the team’s work every day.
“Many young people have walked through our doors with complex stories and unique challenges, which they have been able to overcome through access to the right supports and holistic care,” Shikara shared.
“Our work reflects creative thinking, problem-solving, opportunity development, and ongoing enthusiasm for creating spaces that are in direct response to young people’s feedback.”
Blade echoed this, highlighting the central role of connection in educational perseverance.
“Connection is the basis of all our work,” Blade said. “We want young people to be seen as their authentic selves, heard in their values and visions, and consulted for change that they feel is necessary – both personally and socially.”
Together, Blade and Shikara shared stories, strategies, and reflections that resonated with sector colleagues across WA. Their presentation served as a reminder of the importance of listening to young people, empowering them to be their own advocates, and building environments where they feel safe, capable and valued.
We’re proud of Blade and Shikara for representing the Y WA and the Y School with such insight and integrity. Congratulations on this well-deserved opportunity to share your work and inspire others in the youth sector.
Kalgoorlie OSHC Reopens to Support Regional Families
The Y Kalgoorlie Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) reopened on 2 September 2024, providing vital before and after school care for local children and families following a temporary closure earlier this year.
Kalgoorlie OSHC Supervisor, Cindy Daniels, brings experience and energy to the service. “There’s not really a lot of other options for before and after-school care and we’re in a mining town, most of our parents are working,” Ms Daniels explained.
“In today’s economy, most parents have to work because it’s too expensive not to, so a before and after-school facility is really something that’s needed everywhere, not just here in the Goldfields.”
The Y WA CEO, Dr. Tim McDonald, highlighted the reopening was a top priority and reflects the organisation’s commitment to regional communities.
We have been prioritising this for the town of Kalgoorlie since we were forced to temporarily shut our doors earlier in the year. We recognise that this service provides vital support to the community, allowing parents to continue to work, and so we have worked tirelessly to reinstate it, despite challenges.
The service continues to offer its essential bus service, transporting children to and from the service, and provides a safe, engaging environment where children can participate in activities that support their growth and development.
Welcoming Iain Dennis -Executive Manager Early Childhood Education and Care
In March 2025, we welcomed Iain Dennis as the new Executive Manager of Early Childhood Education and Care at the Y WA.
With more than 30 years of experience across the education sector, Iain brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of how to support children, families, and educators to flourish. He began his career as a Physical Education teacher, working both overseas and across Western Australia, before moving into leadership and operational roles within the Department of Education. From there, he went on to manage large, multi-state education and care operations.
Drawn to the Y’s strong values and not-for-profit purpose, Iain was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation where every dollar goes back into supporting children, families, and communities.
Today, Iain leads a large and diverse portfolio across Family Day Care, Early Learning Centres, and Outside School Hours Care. His focus is on guiding and supporting the Children’s Services team through the complexities of the childcare sector – removing barriers, simplifying processes, and helping them deliver the highest quality education and care.
We’re delighted to have Iain as part of the Y WA Executive Team as we continue to strengthen our early childhood education and care services and make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families across the state.
