Stakeholders support Warruwi Youth Culture Camp

The inaugural Warruwi Youth Culture Camp was an incredible example of empowering and listening to youth to make a lasting and positive impact on their lives. 

Strongly supported by the Warruwi Local Authority, West Arnhem Regional Council held the camp between 17 & 18 July at the special location of Ngijpin Beach, with more than 39 young people from the Community taking part.

The idea for the youth camp came directly from the young people who expressed a desire for more on-country learning and connections at the West Arnhem Youth Leadership Summit in 2023. The Youth Leadership Summit brought together 50 attendees from the Communities of Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Minjilang, Warruwi, and Jabiru to build leadership capacity, identify the current needs of youth in West Arnhem Land, and present a shared vision for youth outcomes. 

The insights gained from the Summit have informed strategic direction of local Community youth initiatives, ensuring that they align with the actual needs and aspirations of the youth in West Arnhem.

Warruwi Council Services Manager Geri Narul worked tirelessly to coordinate the youth culture camp which included a talk about tackling smoking and vaping by Red Lily Health, caring for country with the Mardbalk Rangers, a visit from Power and Water and off site activities including spear making and collecting mud mussels. The young people also enjoyed a yarning circle and manyardi with Elders.
In the lead up to the camp, Council worked with Red Lily to arrange for youth to have a health check up which tied in a great incentive to support their health and wellbeing.

A huge thanks to the incredible partnerships with Warruwi Local Authority, Traditional Owners, Elders, Mardbalk Rangers, Yagbani Aboriginal Corporation, Red Lily Health, Member for Arafura Manuel Brown, Power and Water, NT Police, and Ajurumu Store, Gunbalanya Meats, Warruwi School and West Arnhem Regional Council and staff.
Your support made this camp possible.