Town of Port Hedland - Kolbang Yanginy

Youth Changemaking Program is nurturing belonging and pride in South Hedland

Youth-led projects can ignite a sense of achievement and pride. They can also help young people make a difference in their communities while developing leadership skills and confidence at an important time in their lives.

A Youth Changemaking Program in South Hedland, located in WA’s Pilbara region, has empowered Aboriginal youth to deepen their relationships with their peers, foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection to local public spaces, and experience a newfound sense of achievement and pride.

Town Team Movement, a movement of positive doers and changemakers in local communities and governments, joined together with Follow the Dream (Polly Farmer Foundation), Spinifex Hill Studios, the Town of Port Hedland, RAC, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation , Youth Involvement Council and Volunteering WA to work with local Aboriginal youth to improve the public space along Wise Terrace in the centre of South Hedland.

The approach and outcome

Town Team Movement and the wider program team held sessions that empowered young people to collaboratively design and create an artwork, fostering connections and igniting their creative ideas and talents.

The result was a 40-metre long road mural in a vibrant design that includes waterways, plants and animals, reflecting the local culture and connection to Country. The mural not only celebrates the creativity and self-expression of local youth, but it is also helping to calm traffic on South Hedland’s main street.

After completing the project, the student participants expressed a greater sense of belonging and connection to the town, stronger relationships with their peers, and a feeling of accomplishment and pride in completing the mural to such a high standard.

Throughout the process, the young people developed leadership and teamwork skills while discovering the benefits of volunteering. This experience not only boosted their self-esteem and confidence but also enhanced their overall wellbeing.

The Youth Changemaking Program has become a guide for best-practice Aboriginal student community engagement and volunteering around Australia. It has also won numerous state and national awards, including being National Award Winner in the ‘Community Wellbeing and Diversity’ category at the 2024 Planning Institute of Australia National Awards for Planning Excellence.

Lessons learned

Form authentic relationships and develop the skills and confidence in young people to be leaders.
Use a strengths-based approach – build on strengths and opportunities rather than trying to fix problems.
Go with the flow of ideas and energy – do not go in with preconceived or predetermined outcomes in mind.
Plan for key stakeholders to spend time on building genuine connections and relationships in the community.