A group of young leaders from Ashburton Drive Primary School marked their graduation last week from Malpa's Young Doctors for Life program.

The ceremony recognised 12 students who spent the term learning about health, leadership, and cultural knowledge.

A total of 35 students from the school completed the program in 2025.

The Young Doctors initiative supports primary school children to become health ambassadors in their communities.

It brings Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students together to learn through culture-based health education and shared responsibility.

Dunghutti woman and Malpa CEO Tracey Thompson said the event recognised the commitment and growth shown by students.

"These young people are leaders already," she said.

"They've stepped up, supported each other, and shared knowledge with their families and school communities.

"With support from our incredible partners, we're seeing lasting impact across health, education, and culture."

The program at Ashburton Drive Primary School was funded by the Alcoa Foundation and delivered with support from the school, Earbus WA's mobile health services, and Aspen Medical Foundation's focus on sustainable healthcare within Indigenous communities.

Ashburton Drive Primary School staff member Lisa Williams said the experience strengthened students' confidence and sense of purpose.

"Our students embraced the program with enthusiasm," she said.

"They've learned how to care for their bodies, support their families, and build leadership skills that will carry them through life."

Malpa receives no government funding yet it continues to grow its reach through a community-driven model.

When invited into a community, Malpa meets with leaders and families to discuss local needs and to shape a program that reflects their priorities.

The process draws on traditional knowledge holders, western health professionals, and others with expertise in nutrition, hygiene, environmental health, well-being, identity, and health literacy.

Young Doctors visit Aboriginal Medical Services, hospitals, pharmacies and bush settings to broaden their experience and understand different pathways in health.

They complete a fifteen-week program that began with grade 4 students and now includes grade 5 and 6 students who continue as community health ambassadors.

Malpa's work has been recognised through several awards, including the South Australian Governor's Award for Children's Week in 2015, the Hesta Prize for Primary Health Innovation in 2015, and the Australian Red Cross NAIDOC Week Award for Best Practice in 2013.