Billy and Shayne from our Perth team recently travelled to Onslow to spend time with the young people involved in our Onslow Family Support Program.
As part of the Male Mentor program with Onslow School, Billy and Shayne spent one‑on‑one time with a group of boys, connecting through hands‑on activities like crabbing, footy and yarns, while the boys showed Billy and Shayne around their school garden, proudly talking them through their scarecrow designs. They were especially excited to take Shayne out to 4‑Mile, where they caught a feed of mud crabs.
Speaking on the visit, Program Manager, Suzanne said, “It is such a positive and engaging experience for our students, with strong participation and a real sense of pride in sharing their environment and interests.” She highlighted the importance of consistent mentoring support, especially for boys who may be disengaged from school or finding peer connection challenging.
“These regular visits help provide valuable stability and opportunity for relationship-building, supporting confidence and engagement over time,” she said.
Our Onslow Family Support Program focuses on helping children attend school consistently and strengthening the ability of parents and caregivers to support their learning.
Local mentors work with the community and local services to address barriers that may prevent children from getting to school. Morning pick‑ups, access to a healthy breakfast, sports and learning activities, and small but meaningful incentives all help build positive routines that encourage children to show up and engage.
Mentors also assist families with guidance on establishing daily routines, navigating departmental agencies, completing paperwork, and managing medical appointments. This wraparound support ensures families feel empowered rather than overwhelmed, and that children have every opportunity to thrive.
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.
