Key points:

• Hancock Iron Ore and Kuuwa Rentals extend sponsorship of 4WD bus

• The Toyota commuter has improved school attendance in Newman

• Transport for kids, youths and families extends to other vital services

Bus wheels will keep rolling across the remote town of Newman until the end of 2026 after sponsorship of a vital Indigenous transport service was extended.

The Y WA's Education Engagement Attainment Initiative — known now as the Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! program — was bolstered after Hancock Iron Ore and Kuuwa Rentals extended their sponsorship of the initiative, including a Toyota 4WD commuter bus which has kept much of the community on track, and time, for essential services such as schooling and medical appointments.

The partnership extension will enable the local Y WA team to continue its crucial support for kids, young people and families across Newman and surrounding communities in the Pilbara region overcome basic barriers to education, health, community activities and yarning on Country.

Bus service boosts school attendance

The 4WD bus has become essential for families since being donated in January 2026 by Hancock Iron Ore and Kuuwa, enabling the Y WA Newman team to transport kids to school and families to appointments and on-Country experiences, safely and reliably.

Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la program coordinator and Noongar woman, Sammi Ryder, said the extended sponsorship would make a meaningful difference to local families requiring transport.

"The bus has become such an important part of our work and this ongoing support means we can continue reaching young people and families who need us most," Ms Ryder said.

"Every day we use the bus to help improve school attendance, provide access to services and create opportunities for young people to connect with culture, community and each other."

The EEAI program supports Indigenous children and youth in Newman by working closely with their families, schools and broader community organisations to improve engagement with education and extracurricular activities.

Commuter takes locals on Country

Day-to-day the bus helps more students arrive to school and on time, while outside teaching terms the Toyota 4WD is used for transportation to holiday activities and on-Country experiences, such as a recent Y WA trip to Sandy Creek, just outside the Pilbara mining town.

Children, youths and their families spent time kayaking and fishing, before sharing dinner as the sun set.

Funded from the National Indigenous Australians Agency helps Y WA deliver case-by-case support tailored to needs of local children and families, while expeditions like the recent Sandy Creek trip provide quality time for families to connect, learn new skills and be on Country.

Ms Ryder, a Newman resident for 10-plus years, said the Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! program also supported families with other essentials like school supplies, key service referrals, health and wellbeing, and outreach and sporting activities.

"Our work is only possible through strong community partnerships," Ms Ryder said.

"This continued sponsorship means we can keep showing up for families, building trust and creating positive outcomes for young people in Newman."

The Y Newman recently rebranded the successful initiative as Pakala Jijikaja Yankuni-la! — which translates to 'Get up young people. Let's go!' — after ongoing consultation with Elders, families and the community.