Development of our Education Strategy: Learning for Life
At the Y WA, we believe in the transformative power of education as the foundation for lifelong flourishing. Our practical approach provides more people with access to a complete education—one that equips them not only with knowledge but also with the skills to grow and flourish throughout their lives. By “complete education,” we mean the opportunity to learn, experience, practice, and share everything needed for children and young people to flourish. This vision is brought to life through three key service streams:
1. Early Learning
Our Early Learning Centres set the foundations for children to flourish. We believe passionately in the importance of play in the development of young children and we provide child-centered, play-based programs within safe and supportive environments. We use the latest development science to ensure the children in our services develop the oral literacy, emotional regulation and numeracy skills needed to enter school ready to learn, contribute and belong. Through intentional teaching and programming, we aim to set children up to be lifelong learners by being ready for school and reduce inequality.
2. Schools and School Support
Through our Curriculum and Re-engagement (CARE) School, we harness the science of learning to re-engage vulnerable and disengaged students, helping them experience mastery and academic success.
We also provide out-of-school-hours care that deliberately supports the holistic development of the children attending, giving them the tools they need to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
3. Youth Services
Our Youth Services focus on building essential life skills for vulnerable young people, empowering them to connect with their communities and participate meaningfully in society. These services ensure that every young person has the opportunity to to access a whole of life education that enables them to flourish, no matter their background or circumstances.
At the heart of our education strategy is a belief in the power of a complete education as the path to flourishing in body, mind and spirit. We are committed to helping children and young people at every stage of life learn, grow, and flourish.
Y WA Launches School ReadY Program Across Western Australia
After two years of research and development, the Y WA School ReadY Program has been officially rolled out across all 14 Y WA Early Learning Centres (ELCs)!
Based on the science of early childhood development, this program represents a unique opportunity to generate positive social impact within our communities.
This initiative addresses a critical need, as an alarming 22 percent of children start school developmentally vulnerable, and one-third of Australian students fail to learn to read proficiently.
Following an inspiring two-day professional learning workshop for educators from across the state, delivery of the program has seen children experience intentional teaching and play-based experiences to support early literacy and oral language development. Activities are fun and engaging for children, whilst intentionally focussed on developing key skills needed for a successful start to formal schooling.
ELCs have provided opportunities for children to engage and interact with storybooks as they explore the parts of a book, learn new vocabulary and discuss different parts of the story. Activities have also seen children tuning into environmental sounds and spoken words, listening for long and short words and counting words in sentences.
When asked about the progress of the implementation, Centre Director Dinusha Kalupahana from the Y Westminster ELC expressed great positivity. “When new families and potential enrolments visit the centre, I always highlight our new School ReadY Program and encourage them to enrol for its benefits in preparing children for school”.
“Parents have provided positive feedback on the program. I recently received an email from a parent praising the program, noting that her daughter is deeply engaged with the storybooks we read at the centre and is now reading them at home”, said Dinusha.
Educators at ELCs are receiving on-going training and support from our recently appointed Literacy Specialist, Renee Chakaodza, to continue to develop their own knowledge and skills. Our staff stand poised to make a lasting impact on the children in their care as they support them to be ready for school and set them on a path to life long learning.
The Flourishing Impact of Kokoda Trek Leadership Program
In November 2023, CEO Dr Tim McDonald along with a group of fourteen young people and four Y staff walked the Kokoda Trek in Papua New Guinea.
Like all our programs and services, this program revolved around three core components:
- Positive sustained relationships between young people and competent, caring adults
- Skill building opportunities; and
- Opportunities for young people to contribute.
By designing our programs with these ‘key ingredients’ we seek to deliver on the four human flourishing outcomes that form the basis of our Impact Strategy – competence, belonging, independence, and a sense of connectedness to broader social contexts. When we do this effectively, we deliver on the mission of the Y WA, to provide opportunities for all children and young people to grow in body, mind, and spirit.
At the end of the program, we evaluated the program outcomes using a 5Cs (Competence, Connection, Character, Confidence, Caring) Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach, and the results speak for themselves.
Participants in the Kokoda program experienced an increase in their 5Cs PYD scores, from an average of 65.12 before the program to 74.1 post-trek.
By way of comparison, the average baseline score for all Y WA Youth Services measured with the 5Cs tool in 2023 was 67.3, and the average post-program score was 69.62. We are used to seeing 5C PYD scores increase by a point or two- an increase of 9 is remarkable.
We hypothesise that it is our three key ingredients that make the Kokoda Leadership and Development program so impactful – because the program was so much more than just the trek.
In the months preceding the trip to Papua New Guinea, a team of dedicated staff went above and beyond to support young people make the necessary preparations and empower them to take this challenge on. This included, regular physical training, weekend camps, advocacy and administrative support, and participation in other Y WA services (such as our Y School and case management).
Of course, the impact of the Trek itself cannot be understated, hiking nine days through 96km of wet, mountainous terrain certainly offers many opportunities to learn more about yourself and others!
Like all involved in the program, CEO Dr Tim McDonald was moved in more ways than one.
He said the group of young people, many of whom had not been on a plane or left the country before, were incredible.
“I can’t begin to tell you about the shift in them all, in their lives, their outlook, their attitudes, the way they speak, look and connect.”
“Beyond the incredible data, we are in awe of the stories of personal growth and resilience to moments of profound connection and contribution, this Kokoda journey is shaping futures and transforming lives.”
We continue to celebrate this amazing achievement and appreciate our dedicated teams, passionate volunteers, and generous supporters
On the Road to Reconciliation
Throughout the year the Y WA commenced the journey towards formalising our deep commitment to reconciliation. A group of staff from across all Y services and programs came together to form the first RAP Working Group.
The group continues to meet monthly and are learning about the process toward a Reflect RAP. The working group has also promoted and attended a number of key events and opportunities to demonstrate the Y’s commitment to reconciliation including the Walk for Reconciliation and the Reconciliation WA breakfast attended by staff and students from the Y School.
Celebrating Excellence and Honouring Exceptional Contributions
The Y WA Staff Awards are a special time each year to celebrate the incredible dedication and achievements of our people—both staff and volunteers—who make a lasting impact across the state. This year, four outstanding winners were selected by a diverse panel of judges, including our Board, to honour their remarkable contributions.
Each individual and team recognized has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to our values, consistently going above and beyond in their roles. We are thrilled to congratulate our winners for their exceptional efforts and the positive difference they make every day.
Y WA Safeguarding Award – Sreej Pradham, Youth Services
Sreej embodies an unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of children and young people, leading his team in safeguarding practices with passion and dedication. Always striving for improvement, he has been instrumental in creating a Guide for Staff on responding to safeguarding concerns and embedding best practices at the service level. Sreej’s holistic approach balances moral responsibilities, legal compliance, and adherence to SCYP Policy, all while advocating for continuous improvement across the organization. His proactive leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.
Power of Inspired Young People Award – Connor Thompson, HQ
At just eighteen, Connor’s journey with Y WA is nothing short of inspiring. Initially connecting with the Y through his band, Centre, he quickly became a key member of HQ’s Youth Squad, contributing fresh ideas and energy to HQ’s events. His vision for HQ’s Youth Week event even secured sponsorship from a major skate shop, Beyond Skate. Now an indispensable team member in the gig space, Connor has already established himself in the music industry, building lasting connections while promoting HQ and the all-ages scene nationally. His ambition, passion, and drive make him a standout and a well-deserving winner of this award.
Lin Doust Award for Human Flourishing – Sammi Ryder, RSAS
Sammi has been a cornerstone of Newman’s Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) for the past two years, bringing warmth, creativity, and an authentic connection to vulnerable communities. She consistently goes above and beyond, adjusting her schedule to meet the needs of the community and always prioritizing dignity, respect, and care. Sammi’s work has had profound outcomes, including supporting seven Newman youths to embark on the Kokoda Trek, an experience that has helped them build confidence, connections, and life skills. Her colleagues praise her unwavering positivity and commitment to ensuring every young person she works with can flourish.
Sir George Williams Team Award – Kokoda Project Team
The Kokoda Project Team has spent the past 12 months tirelessly dedicated to ensuring every young participant flourishes. Their collective effort has been nothing short of extraordinary, as they have taken on tasks far beyond their typical duties—creating promotional materials, fundraising, securing sponsorships, organising camps, planning travel, providing fitness training, and managing logistics. Their dedication has provided these young people with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and their commitment is truly inspirational.
Additionally, we celebrate Jake Azzopardi, who was honoured with the national IC Howard Scholarship—an outstanding achievement.
These winners embody our Growth for Impact Strategy, and their exceptional contributions have a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence not only strengthen our organisation but also help countless young people and communities flourish. By leading with purpose and vision, they inspire growth and create lasting positive change, ensuring that the Y WA continues to be a place where everyone can flourish.
A Decade and More 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 and 15 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- and 15-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.
The Y WA Joins PrideFEST
PrideFEST is Western Australia’s ultimate celebration of all things queer – and a state-wide celebration of the LGBTQI+ community. It’s an opportunity for the broader WA community to show its support for the LGBTQIA+ community and participate in events that aim to make WA a safe and welcoming place.
A first for the Y WA, we participated in the Fairday on Sunday 12 November and had 30 people marching under the Y banner in the Pride Parade on Saturday 25 November in front of thousands of Western Australians on the streets of Northbridge to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community,
Participation in the PrideFEST was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the Y’s inclusivity.
World Basketball Day
On December 21st, we celebrated World Basketball Day with the Perth Wildcats and three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bryce Cotton!
This important celebration stems from our unique connection with the game of basketball, which was developed by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor with the YMCA.
Dr. Naismith developed the game 132 years ago to keep his students active during the cold winter months. The game was first played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
On 25 August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/324, proclaiming 21 December as World Basketball Day. The day seeks to encourage everyone around the world to play, watch, read, discuss, or otherwise connect to basketball.
Bryce Cotton, the Wildcats’ ambassador for World Basketball Day spent time on court at Bendat Basketball Centre with a group of young people from the Y.
Bryce emphasised the importance of basketball in his life and how young people can benefit from the sport.
“It’s a great tool for character development, it gives kids an opportunity to have something to be focused on, and you learn a lot about yourself”.
“It can definitely change your life as far as what you learn about yourself, but also the friendships you’ll build along the way”.
Y WA CEO, Dr Tim McDonald said, “James Naismith created a game to keep his students both occupied and connected, something we’re constantly striving to do at the Y. Basketball creates a community and a safe space and similar to what we’re trying to achieve at the Y WA, it’s an inclusive game for everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, sexuality, or individuality.”
Forging a long-lasting partnership with the Wildcats in 2023, we have also created ‘the Y WA Fanzone’ at all home games at RAC Arena. The new fan-engagement zone opens an hour before every home game and is a hive of activity with activations such as basketball hoops, art mural to paint, photo booths, face painting, height charts, player cut outs and physical testing challenges like jump tests.
Delivering Life Skills at Banksia Hill
In October 2023, the Y WA commenced service delivery in Banksia Hill, working with some of our most vulnerable young people. The weekly Banksia Hill Life-Skills program has quickly become a popular and impactful initiative among the young people involved. This program provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can engage in hands-on skill-building activities while exploring a range of important topics, all under the guidance of dedicated Youth Workers.
Throughout the program, young people have had the opportunity to discuss vital subjects such as safety planning, parenting, alternative education pathways, healthy meals, personal hygiene, healthy relationships, responsible use of social media, and job interview preparation. What makes this program unique is the integration of these discussions with cooking activities, offering a relaxed and practical setting for meaningful conversations among peers.
As they take part in these activities, participants have demonstrated increased confidence in communication and connection. They’ve also built strong relationships with their peers, gaining trust, rapport, and a sense of community. Most importantly, they’ve acquired essential life skills that will help them positively contribute to their community in the years to come.
Y Time to expand to Armadale WA
The Y Time Armadale Youth Services team has successfully secured a new office in the heart of Armadale, enabling the team to create a welcoming, youth-friendly space designed to foster meaningful engagement with both young people and the broader community. The new location offers easy access to vital case management services for high-risk youth in the region, making it a key resource for support and guidance.
the team hopes to strengthen long established community networks and partnerships with local stakeholders. New partnerships will be a focus, with community and not for profit services showing interest in working together and referring young people for support and access the DRUMBEAT program. In addition, the team will continue to provide outreach support to young people accessing Jarrahdale-Serpentine Youth Services and the Armadale HUB ensuring better access to comprehensive support for young people in Armadale and surrounding areas.
Looking ahead, the team is excited to launch the Rock and Water program, further expanding the range of services aimed at empowering and supporting young people in the community.
Amplifying Our Impact
This year, we partnered with Devahasdin PR to share the powerful stories of how we are helping children and young people flourish, and the results have been nothing short of fantastic. Through their expertise in public relations and media outreach, we’ve successfully amplified our message, reaching a much wider audience and ensuring our work is seen, heard, and felt.
Over the course of the 2023-2024 financial year, starting in September 2023, we have achieved impressive outcomes:
• 28,589,424 in reach, significantly increasing awareness of our programs and services.
• $3,371,909 in media value, reflecting the positive exposure we gained through various media channels.
• 461 media articles, each highlighting our impact stories and the lives we’ve touched.
Public relations (PR) plays a crucial role in not only promoting our work but in helping us connect with communities, stakeholders, and supporters in new and meaningful ways. These results have strengthened our position as a trusted voice for youth development and have broadened the platform for us to advocate for the flourishing of young people.
As we move forward, we are excited to continue building on this momentum, knowing that our message is resonating far and wide. The visibility we’ve gained through PR has made a real difference, enabling us to inspire more people and create a deeper, lasting impact in the lives of children and young people across the region.
