Young First Nations residents in Parburdoo will soon lace up new boxing gloves as they fight isolation and cost-of-living issues in the remote Pilbara mining town.
Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation was one of 13 organisations that work with young First Nations people and receive funding of up to $25,000 through the WA Government's Aboriginal Youth Empowerment Grants program.
Administered by the Youth Affairs Council of WA, the program supports initiatives that elevate the voice of young First Nations people aged between 10 and 25 through increased representation, engagement and participation with decision-making.
Parburdoo-based Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation received $16,000 for its 'Be A Champ!' program, which provides a unique four-week, boxing-based learning environment for youths to discuss their challenges, learn self-management, techniques and physical exercise to develop self-discipline, self-respect and a healthy mindset.
Yinhawangka acting CEO and corporate operations general manager Tania Saggers-Clarke said boxing was used as a foundation to help develop and enhance discipline in mind, body and spirit to channel anger, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
"At the same time it also connects body and mind and influences positive thoughts, feelings, and achievement, helping youths be holistically focused and grounding themselves to country," she said.
"The combination of discussion and physical exercise provides a pathway for young people to heal, develop coping mechanisms and learn a sport which encourages confidence and self-respect."
There were minimal services in and around Paraburdoo that support at-risk youth, prompting Yinhawangka to develop a targeted youth strategy that acknowledged and recognised the issues and common disadvantages for youth living in a remote region.
"Hopefully this results in them having a more positive view of their future, which then elevates their voice and supports them to make sound choices about their future," Ms Saggers-Clarke said.
'Be a Champ' and 'Healthy Mind, Healthy Body' are two programs within Yinhawangka's "Strong Heart" youth strategy, with the $16,000 funding to be used to purchase specialised boxing equipment and a qualified boxing instructor.
Youth Minister Simone McGurk said the standard of applications for funding was extremely high and the grants necessary for organisations to support young First Nations people develop and grow in their respective communities.
"These organisations deliver some fabulous youth engagement initiatives, particularly in the regions," she said.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said it was fantastic to support important grassroots programs that could deliver real benefits to young First Nations people.
"Congratulations to the recipients and I look forward to seeing these important initiatives come to life," he said.
Mid West Aboriginal community group Streeties was another grant recipient, receiving $23,100 for its 'On Country Youth Leadership Program', which selects 10 young people for a trip to the Shark Bay area for mentoring and developmental training, while also connecting them to their culture.
Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation negotiated with Rio Tinto last November to seal a heritage protection plan for its Western Range project, the first agreement between Rio Tinto and a Traditional Owner group since the mining giant destroyed two ancient Indigenous shelters at Juukan Gorge.
The incident drew international condemnation after shelters were destroyed, despite known evidence of human habitation dating back 46,000 years.
