Pilbara and Mid-West Listening Tours 2024

The Listening Tours were an opportunity for the Commissioner to hear from children and young people about what matters to them most in their communities and what could be done to improve living in the Pilbara and Mid-West communities.

Overview

Processes

Outcomes

200 children and young people from 17 schools and colleges aged between 4 and 17 years were involved in yarns relating to culture, family and friends with activities in the natural environment such as camping, hiking and fishing were identified as very important. Concerns about safety at home, in school and out in the community, as well as mental health were reoccurring themes.

The Commissioner and her staff travelled to Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman and Geraldton and invited schools from surrounding communities to participate in forums held over 4 days. Each child was asked for parental consent to participate and have photos taken with the Commissioner. Reports for the stakeholders were produced and provided and a child friendly version was also provided.   

·         The children and young people involved told the Commissioner that they wanted;

·         a greater say in their future by lowering the voting age,

·         that their opinions and ideas are important and they want adults to listen to them,

·         be present in school and Education Department meetings that concern them,

·         a youth councillor on each Town Council,

·         teachers and schools need to be more considerate of issues for homeless children and young   people experience and

·         Safe spaces in the community for children and young people who identify as LGBTQIA+SB