The process
The young people at the heart
Recognising broader community benefits, this project has always been for and about street present young people and their families in Kununurra.
On 11 and 25 September 2025, two youth champion meetings were held with up to 12 organisations attending. These youth champion meetings were to discuss and explore the most suitable way to engage young people in the co-design process in a safe and respectful way.
Salient to all involved with the co-design process was ensuring the voices of the young people who are regularly on the streets at night are at the heart of the KYNS model.
To ensure the safety and anonymity of young people, they were asked to share their thoughts with people who they knew and trusted – Aboriginal Community Controlled service providers, community leaders and members, and family members. What young people shared is highlighted throughout this proposal.
“We want to learn, belong and contribute” – Street present young person
The co-design journey
Central to the development of the KYNS model was a collaborative process, whereby organisations, individuals, and departments were invited to contribute their experience and expertise, and to collectively develop a model to meet both the Department’s needs and those of street present young people.
Between October and November 2025, two cross-sector co-design workshops were held. As detailed in Attachment A, 28 organisations (30-40 people) participated. The workshops were held in Kununurra on the traditional lands of the Miriwoong people. A report was prepared and circulated to all attendees following each workshop, and formed the starting point and next steps for the following workshop. Quotes from workshop participants are highlighted throughout this proposal.
Individual meetings between Waringarri and the co-design committee, and with participating organisations, were held throughout August 2025 and January 2026, building momentum, co-designed solutions, and collective impetus.
The families
Critical to changing the behaviours and environments of street present young people, is the engagement of their families. The KYNS provides a unique opportunity for families to be actively involved with the KYNS and their children in a safe and constructive manner. From joining evening meals at the KYNS, being able to talk with staff, to being referred to the co-located day support services, family engagement is expected to fill a fundamental gap in current service delivery and to be one of the KYNS model’s greatest strengths.
“We need to go back to our family and show them some love.” – Street present young person
“Parents realising the pathways for their kids.” – Workshop participant
Delivering The Model
The KYNS co-design process reached another key milestone, with the model presented back to the co-design committee for endorsement to move forward in delivering the model to the Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy team at the Department of Justice WA in the coming weeks. This marks the culmination of months of community workshops, youth voice and cross-agency collaboration, shaping a final model that will guide the development of a safe, culturally grounded after-hours space for young people in Kununurra.
The project now moves into implementation, focusing on establishing the systems and processes required to operationalise the model and bring the service to life.
