Supporting Young People Through Culture and Connection

Old Ways New Ways (OWNW) is reshaping youth justice in Western Australia by placing culture at the centre of support. Delivered by the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA) with partners Wadjak Northside, Stephen Michael Foundation, and Hope Community Services, the program aims to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the justice system through culturally secure, holistic interventions. 

With $6.4 million in Commonwealth funding, OWNW began with a six-week pilot in October 2024 and launched fully in February 2025. The program offers wraparound case management, mentoring, cultural activities—including on-Country camps—educational support, and community throughcare for participants and families. From October 2024 to October 2025, OWNW received 242 referrals, and 143 young people have participated in activity days. 

OWNW’s approach is grounded in cultural identity and practical assistance. Participants receive support with job provider obligations, training opportunities, and essentials like ID, Medicare cards, and tax file numbers. These services are complemented by mentoring and cultural engagement, creating a strong foundation for change. 

One participant, a 17-year-old Aboriginal young woman, joined OWNW in January 2025. At the time, she was disengaged from education and had an outstanding Juvenile Justice Team referral. Over six months, she attended six OWNW activity days and received comprehensive case management. OWNW helped her meet job provider obligations, apply for training programs, and secure practical items like a Smart Rider and bank account. 

Her positive engagement and leadership during activity days led OWNW to identify her as a potential peer mentor. With support from the team, she completed onboarding requirements and began casual employment with OWNW in July 2025. Since joining the program, she has not been charged with any new offences or apprehended by police. In her client survey, she said the most important things she learned were “culture,” “connection with others,” and “communicating with other people.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “I grew up and no longer wanted to do silly things.” 

Today, she continues to work as a peer mentor and is performing exceptionally well. An external stakeholder described her as “an angel,” and an OWNW Elder called her “a STAR.” OWNW supported her to obtain her learner’s permit and is currently assisting her to enrol in a Certificate III in Community Services, paving the way for sustainable employment. Her influence is already inspiring others—after she passed her learner’s test, she encouraged another participant to do the same later that day. 

OWNW demonstrates how culturally secure, wraparound support can transform lives. By combining mentoring, cultural activities, and practical assistance, the program helps young people reconnect with identity and community while building skills for the future. 

The young woman’s story reflects OWNW’s broader impact: reducing justice system involvement, fostering cultural pride, and creating employment pathways. Her success as a peer mentor shows the program’s potential to empower participants as leaders and role models. 

OWNW is more than a justice initiative—it’s a movement that blends old ways with new ways, creating opportunities for young people to thrive. As one Elder said, “She is a STAR.” 

Find out more about the program from Old Ways New Ways

Photo: Participants involved in Old Ways New Ways activities on country