By KEVIN McKENZIE
The recent tragic suicide at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Perth has brought into sharp focus the critical lack of support for young people in the Kimberley.
It’s heartbreaking to see how many of our youth are struggling with limited access to the services they need.
Earlier this year, in March, our organisation was approached by the Manager of Aboriginal Services at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
They recognised the urgent need for our Youth Services programs to provide social and emotional wellbeing support, one on one mentoring as well as opportunities for connection to Culture and education.
We’ve been working on a partnership proposal to offer regular ‘FIFO’ support from our team, but with the cessation of one of our two main programs Together We Ride due to an inability to secure ongoing funding, we are unsure if we can continue this invaluable partnership due to staff capacity with the loss of five roles.
The tragic death of as teenager has once again highlighted the need for more support.
The “Together We Ride” program at Mens Outreach Service Aboriginal Corporation (MOSAC) has made a profound impact on at-risk youth in Broome and the Kimberley region.
Through this initiative, young people have reconnected with their families, re-engaged with their education, and strengthened their ties to Culture, life-changing outcomes that simply cannot be overstated.
We’ve received consistent, positive feedback from families, schools, and community programs, with many expressing their disappointment that the program cannot continue: “The young fellas were doing so well; I wish Together We Ride was still operating.”
This unfortunate situation leaves 46 young people in Broome without further support from the program and creates a significant barrier to us providing essential services at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in the future.
We know the program works, and it has been a lifeline for these youth, many of whom were engaging with the team on a daily basis.
However, without immediate funding, we cannot sustain it, which feels like a crucial opportunity to prevent further tragedy.
The “Together We Ride” program at MOSAC has made a profound impact on at-risk youth in Broome and the Kimberley region.
I am reaching out to ask if there is any way we can find support to ensure the continuation of this crucial work through further advocacy.
It is clear the government needs to be held accountable to invest in solutions that are already making a difference.
We have a program that is proven to work, but we need the resources to make it accessible to as many at-risk youth as possible.
This is about saving lives, and we can’t afford to lose any more of our young people.
I hope we can count on support in advocating for the continuation and expansion of Together We Ride.
Thank you for your consideration, and please feel free to reach out if you need more information.
Kevin Mckenzie | Manager Family Outreach Service
MOSAC Youth Services, Broome WA
T: (08) 9141 9030 M: 0400 352 198
