Real young people. Real change.
These are young people from our 2025 Brewarrina cohort — told through the words of family, Elders and mentors who walked beside them. Shared with permission; names shortened to protect participant privacy.
What our 2025 cohort showed:
We partnered with independent researchers to evaluate program impact through community surveys (n=60) measuring awareness and observed change, alongside qualitative interviews with participants, families and Elders.
​
100%
completed the 10-month program.
​
100%
reported increased confidence and positive change.
​
100%
of families confirmed observable behavioural improvements.
​
70%
continued education and/or secured full-time employment.
​
92%
of community observers saw transformation.
​
86%
observed at least one positive community-level impact.
​
98%
say Brewarrina needs programs like this.
​
95%
would recommend the program to other families.
2025 Brewarrina Cohort
Kirk E.
Kirk began the program a quiet 16-year-old who kept to himself, carrying the weight of family challenges and limited opportunity. Through consistent mentoring and cultural grounding on Country, he faced his long-held fear of getting his driver's licence, travelled beyond Brewarrina, competed in state javelin for a third year running, and found his voice. By the end of the 10 months, he was working full-time at the Brewarrina Sewerage Treatment Plant, earning his own income and contributing to his community.
Darnell H.
Darnell became the youngest Rural Fire Service cadet in Brewarrina's history. Today he coaches younger children in football, passing on what he learned through the program.
Aston S.
Aston grew significantly in self-confidence through the program, taking on casual work at the South Brewarrina Butchery and pursuing a coaching journey alongside it.
Jai-Kel W.
Jai-Kel became the first person in his family to complete Year 12, and has started work at the Brewarrina Shire Council — breaking generational patterns one decision at a time.
What families and Elders tell us
Aunty Doreen Waites, Community Elder
"It's actually a program that's coming in and involving community people, involving us... involving mothers and getting our opinions."
Parent, 2025 cohort
"When my son lost his cousin, the first people he called was the boys in the Winmarra group. It was good because he had somebody else to talk to."
Parent, 2025 cohort
"They're not just program coordinators, they're like family to him now."