A powerful end to Day One of KWAC’s Lived Experience Youth Worker Gathering.

Today brought together local Aboriginal youth workers, people with lived experience and sector leaders to share knowledge, reflect on challenges and explore what is needed to strengthen and sustain the remote youth work workforce.

The conversations were honest, practical and grounded in the realities of working alongside vulnerable young people in remote communities. Participants spoke about the strengths that lived experience workers bring, the importance of cultural authority and community connection, and the support needed to ensure this workforce can thrive.

The insights shared today will help shape KWAC’s Remote Lived Experience Youth Work Framework — a practical, culturally grounded resource designed to recognise, support and strengthen lived experience youth workers across remote communities.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their wisdom, experience and leadership. We look forward to continuing the conversation tomorrow.

This Strong and Resilient Communities Activity – Community Development and Capacity Building (CDC) Support Services project received grant funding from the Australian Government.