Six-month cultural program to address Mullewa youth crime and foster cultural identity through yarn and dance

Organisations have teamed up to provide a six-month program to engage youth and address antisocial behaviour in the Mid West town of Mullewa. Binmaga Barndimanmanha Mayu’s Program 2024 will provide cultural and recreational activities to create lasting change and reduce youth antisocial behaviour. It is a collaborative diversionary prevention initiative providing education, cultural experiences and social and emotional wellbeing to youth in Mullewa. The WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) will work with Binmaga Cultural Experience (BCE), police, headspace and other local partners to provide young people with a positive outlet, help foster identity and improve community safety. Transport services are available as part of the program to facilitate safe and reliable access to program activities. WACRH research fellow Dr Charmaine Green said the program was designed to address youth crime and encourage community connectedness in the Mid West town. “The program has been co-designed to an identified need by the Mullewa community raising concerns in several community forums on the increase in anti-social behaviours and how to offer positive interactions for youth and young people in Mullewa,” she said. Educational workshops tailored for boys and girls will focus on responsible decision-making and conflict resolution. A 24-week Yamatji dance program will provide gender-specific sessions, coordinated by Wajarri Badimaya dance teacher Preston Wall and Yingarda Nyul-Nyul choreographer Candice Dia, to strengthen ties to culture. Other wellness activities, including safe yarning sessions and other mental health support programs, will contribute to strengthening cultural identity. Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said it was encouraging to see organisations working together to benefit youth in the community. “The City of Greater Geraldton welcomes the Binmaga Barndimanmanha Mayu’s Program 2024 as it provides an engaging and well-thought range of activities for the young people of Mullewa,” he said. “The City thanks and looks forward to collaborating with WACRH, UWA, WAPOL and headspace in delivering this game changing initiative.”