Published on Thursday, 27 March 2025 at 9:14:26 AM
Kununurra, Western Australia - A hands-on program combining welding, mentorship, and electric scooter assembly is set to change the trajectory of at-risk Aboriginal youth in the East Kimberley, thanks to funding from the WA Government’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program.
Led by Wunan Foundation, the Still on Track E-Scooter Program was developed in direct response to rising youth crime rates, school absenteeism, and a lack of meaningful training and employment pathways for young people in the region.
Still on Track provides a structured, strengths-based pathway for youth, using hands-on learning to build resilience and strengthen participants’ social and economic participation.
“This program doesn’t just teach welding. It builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging,” said Prue Jenkins, CEO of Wunan Foundation. “When young people feel seen, supported, and capable, it sets them on a better path - and that has a ripple effect across the whole community.”
This model is not untested - it builds on the highly successful pilot run by The Skill Engineer Ltd. in the West Kimberley. The Broome-based program delivered strong results, with over 89% of participants - many of whom had been involved in the youth justice system - completing the program and transitioning into training, employment, or further education.
The program will roll out in 2025 and continue into 2026, with additional engagement of participants through Wunan’s Bedford Stock Route Walk - a culturally safe youth diversionary initiative that responds directly to the region’s high rates of youth crime.
This place-based initiative is supported by a strong network of regional partners, including North Regional TAFE Kununurra, Job Pathways, Revive, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, The Skill Engineer Ltd., Wunan Maintenance Services, Wunan Health & Wellbeing Centre, OVAHS, 54 Reasons, PCYC, East Kimberley College, Wirrum Dawang, Django, and WA Police.
By providing targeted support, practical skills, and culturally safe pathways, Still on Track aims to shift outcomes for local youth and contribute to long-term community safety and economic participation in the East Kimberley. The Wunan Foundation looks forward to working closely with regional partners and community stakeholders to ensure the program’s success in the years ahead.
Download PDF Media Release
Back to All News