Onslow Program wins People’s Choice

The Onslow Family Support program has won the Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry People’s Choice Award for the second year running. Nominated by the Onslow community, the program has continued to find success in improving school attendance and capacity in children, parents, and caregivers.

Providing individual support to every participant is a major part of building stronger relationships with the community. Suzanne Wilson, the program coordinator, says, “the relationships that we have formed have being the essence in the program that makes it successful, the kids successes through education proves consistency is key.”

Mentors provide many services to their participants and can engage with them every day, from walking them to class to assisting with family health needs. During the school week a transport service is run to ensure the participants can get to school. The program supports families to engage with workshops covering physical and mental health education. Also, larger community activities revolving around sport are run in collaboration with other service providers each year.

“Seeing the kids happy and that they encourage one another to attend brightens the day,” one of the mentors, Nerissa said. Without having earnt the trust of the community the growth in attendance and capacity would not have been possible. This year has seen an increase in the school attendance rate, especially of children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Also, with Deadly Sista Girlz and Wirra Kids programs under the Onslow Family Support model, many high school and primary school students have been re-engaged in school and community events.

The Wirrpanda Foundation sincerely thanks the Onslow Chamber of Commerce for the award, and the Onslow Community for their support that serves as the best motivation to continue our efforts leading the provision of education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Our Onslow Family Support program is made possible by indigenous.gov.au and BHP.