Youth workers recognised

Two dedicated Geraldton youth workers have been recognised for their outstanding work in the community.

Amanda Brunelli and Kate McConkey, who are both at the coalface of engaging local youth through engagement and support, were recognised with outstanding volunteer awards at the recent 2016 Community Action and Advocacy Awards in Perth.

Ms Brunelli, who works with Short Term Accomodation for Youth as a youth worker, has worked closely with Ms McConkey and several other partner organisations for many years.

STAY has formed many successful partnerships with key organisations across Geraldton and this is absolutely critical to ensuring young people can have access to the resources and support they need in a bid to reconnect with society.

“We are a not-for profit organisation, funded jointly by both State and Federal Government and our funding comes through the Department for Child Protection and Family Support,” Ms Brunelli said.

“We run a supportive housing program, with lots of partners. For example, the Department of Housing is a partner; they provide the housing.

“We are a team of youth workers, with currently 20 young people in our program. Currently, eight young people are at our crisis centre on Quarry Street, but we also have transitional houses where we transition young people to independence.

“The main aim of our program is to re-engage young people to act to the conduit of their counselling, specialist services and re-engagement with education services; ultimately, to independence and the community as functioning, valued young people.”

Both women are extremely passionate about what they do, through both words and actions. They encourage all young people to improve each day; and to not lose sight of doing a little better the following day.

Ms McConkey works with the School Drug Education and Road Awareness group, who like STAY, are committed to increasing resilience among young people throughout Geraldton.

“One of the most important things we promote through SDERA is connectivity,” she said.

“If young people can feel connected — even if they haven’t got skills — they’re much more likely to actually then take the next step and make some positive progress in their lives.”

STAY board member Beth Brady praised Ms Brunelli for her recognition and selflessness to her work.

“I was unaware that Amanda was nominated for the award as she had not told anyone,” she said.

“Amanda is very humble and is not the type of person to be motivated by awards and accolades.”

STAY offers an open-door policy for young people who require assistance.

If you have fallen on hard times and need some assistance, there are many ways the STAY team can assist you.

For more information on available support and services, contact Amanda on 9921 5696 or pop into 24 Quarry Street, Geraldton.