The Education Engagement Attainment Initiative known locally as Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! provides practical, holistic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and their community.
Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! focuses on four key areas of support to create culturally safe spaces where young people feel strong, connected and empowered across every stage of their learning journey.
The program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and sponsored and supported by the West Coast Eagles, Hancock Iron Ore, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Royal Life Saving Talent Pool, and the Shire of East Pilbara Youth Centre. These partnerships ensure the initiative reflects local strengths, cultural knowledge, and the aspirations of the Newman community.
The program strengthens learning, wellbeing and community connection through four interconnected pillars.
Our team delivers early childhood activities that build school readiness, including the community-led Martu playgroup.
Created at the request of Elders, this culturally safe space helps families support their children’s learning from infancy through to early primary years. Families from the wider community are welcome to join.
We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in their school attendance, learning habits, or home routines through:
We work closely with families to understand what’s happening in the home, and what support may help. Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis, and can include:
We can’t help if we don’t know – families are encouraged to reach out.
We connect with the community through activities including Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy, Aqua Slam and Kayaking.
Our team delivers early childhood activities that build school readiness, including the community-led Martu playgroup.
Created at the request of Elders, this culturally safe space helps families support their children’s learning from infancy through to early primary years. Families from the wider community are welcome to join.
We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in their school attendance, learning habits, or home routines through:
We work closely with families to understand what’s happening in the home, and what support may help. Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis, and can include:
We can’t help if we don’t know – families are encouraged to reach out.
We connect with the community through activities including Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy, Aqua Slam and Kayaking.
Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! Coordinator
Sammi is a proud Noongar woman of the Whadjuk, Yued, Ballardong, Gnaala Karla Boodja, and Wagyl Kaip nations, with Jaru connections. She has lived in Newman for more than 5 years, is a mother of three, and has been part of The Y WA for four years.
Sammi is passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families to feel strong, connected, and empowered across every stage of their learning journey.
The program is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people (ages 0-25) and families in the Newman community. Some activities, like the Martu playgroup and community events, welcome families from the wider community.
No, all programs and activities offered through our School Engagement Programs are completely free for families to access.
Contact Program Coordinator Sammi Ryder on 0473 534 111 or email sammi.ryder@ymcawa.org.au. Sammi can discuss what support might help your family and how to access it. We can’t help if we don’t know, so please reach out.
Support is offered on a case-by-case basis and can include food and basic needs, clothing and school uniforms, transport to school and community events, help connecting with medical or specialist services, and assistance obtaining birth certificates. Reach out to discuss your family’s specific needs.
Transport may be available on a case-by-case basis for programs like Nightfields Footy, Aqua Footy and Kayaking. Contact the bus/staff line on 0488 120 340 or speak with Sammi to discuss transport options
We celebrate young people and families who make positive changes in school attendance, learning habits or home routines through awards, small ceremonies, community shout-outs and Christmas hampers. This recognition builds confidence, pride and motivation to keep going.
The program office is located at 7 Kurrawan Way, Newman, WA. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm.
I also appreciate the texts and notifications of events and outreach happening for my kids to attend.
Kids enjoy attending and learning to kayak, the food is great and everyone is always happy.
I really like the work you do in Newman, and the way you help the kids out.
From our very first project together, you made collaboration feel easy and natural. Your support, openness, and the way you approach challenges with both professionalism and warmth have made a real difference to me.
For more information about the Education Engagement and Attainment Initiative, contact us or visit our Facebook page.
