Recently, Troy and Billy from our Perth team travelled to Onslow to spend time with the staff and families involved in the Onslow Family Support Program. The program, which supports Aboriginal families in Onslow and the nearby Bindi Bindi community, is focused on supporting children to attend school regularly and strengthening the capacity of parents and caregivers to support their learning.
Local mentors work with the community and local services to provide support to overcome any barriers that may prevent children from getting to school. Morning pick‑ups, access to a healthy breakfast, sports and educational activities, and small but meaningful rewards all help create a positive routine that encourages children to show up and engage.
Mentors can also support families with guidance on establishing daily routines, navigating departmental agencies, completing paperwork, and managing medical appointments. This wraparound approach ensures families feel supported, not overwhelmed, and that children have every opportunity to succeed.
Troy and Billy visited as a part of the Onslow Family Support Program Male Mentor initiative. In collaboration with Onslow School, this initiative is designed for a group of disengaged boys, offering them a chance to step outside the traditional classroom and connect in meaningful ways to help them build confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. During the visit, Troy and Billy spent one‑on‑one time with the boys, connecting with Country through hands‑on activities like fishing.
Speaking on Troy and Billy’s visit, Onslow Family Support Program Manager Suzanne said, “These moments allow the boys to open up, learn valuable life skills, and see positive male role models who guide and support them in ways that can make a lasting different in their lives.”
Supported by Woodside Energy, Mineral Resources and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Onslow Family Support Program is aimed at Aboriginal families in Onslow and the Bindi Bindi community with the primary focus of improving school attendance and capacity in parents and caregivers. Find out more here.
