Leonora and Laverton regional visit report released

Education, health, families, provision of services and community involvement are some of the key topics raised in Commissioner Colin Pettit’s latest regional visit report, which was released earlier this week.

The report details Mr Pettit’s visit to the regional towns of Leonora and Laverton, where he met with children and young people and service providers, and talked in depth about the opportunities and challenges facing their communities.

“Although closely located, each community has a distinct profile makeup, with diverse populations and equally diverse needs,” Mr Pettit said.

“Meeting with the young people at Laverton School and Leonora District High School was a highlight for me as I got to learn about how they value and participate in their communities in their own ways.

“They had some great ideas on how to improve their towns too.”

The Commissioner also met with staff from local agencies, and heard about the number of important programs and activities being developed and driven by passionate community members, and how they are working hard to listen and respond to the needs of vulnerable children.

“I was heartened to learn from these agencies that many children and young people in Laverton and Leonora are doing well and making the most of what their community has to offer,” Mr Pettit said.

“It is concerning though that there are some children and young people in each community who are seriously affected by disadvantage and family dysfunction.

“Among all community members and service providers I met with, there was a strong desire for improved collaboration and co-delivery of services to the community, to ensure services are adequately meeting each community’s unique needs.”

The Commissioner regularly visits regional and rural Western Australian communities to give children and young people in these areas the opportunity to have their views heard.

Thank you to all who took time to meet with the Commissioner in Laverton and Leonora to discuss local children and young people’s wellbeing.