Mid West Listening Tour Findings

Mid West Listening Tour Findings

The Commissioner, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, visited Mid West WA in September 2024, to meet with and listen to more than 100 children and young people, about what matters most to them.

The program consisted of two types of events - informal ‘Meet-Ups’ organised in collaboration with community organisations, and the more structured ‘Student Forums’ with participants drawn from various schools and colleges across the region.

Throughout all events, the children and young people were encouraged to lead conversations, give voice to their concerns and share their opinions on where they live and the lives they lead. Their recommendations are listed at the end of the report.

At the first Meet Up the Commissioner met the Yamatji Nation Sea Rangers. They described their responsibilities in caring for Yamatji Sea Country and the positive impact that the Sea Ranger program has on their lives. 

In the second Meet-Up event, she met with LGBTQIA+SB youth at headspace Geraldton, discussing the challenges they face in their lives, as well as the support and engagement they require.

Within the two Student Forums, the Commissioner met with students from six primary schools and six secondary schools.

Additionally, she met with the Bishop of Geraldton, teachers from various schools in the region, staff from headspace, WAAC (Western Australian Aids Council), Yamatji Southern Regional Aboriginal Corporation and the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation, to understand adults’ perspectives on life in the Mid West for children and young people.

During her time in region, the Commissioner participated in and spoke at the Yamatji On Country annual meeting.