Port Lincoln young people lead a skateboarding event
Young people in Port Lincoln, South Australia, took part in mental health programs, sport and a youth-led skateboarding event through their Local Drug Action Team (LDAT), connecting them with their community and local services.
Port Lincoln LDAT had planned to work with mental health program providers to deliver two programs in schools, as well as hold community forums. When COVID-19 lockdowns stopped the forums, the LDAT adapted.
The school programs went ahead, and the LDAT reached more young people through local sport and a skateboarding event planned and run by young people themselves. The alcohol and drug-free event gave young people an early chance to learn about alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm, and to build skills and confidence along the way.
Why the LDAT took its message to the skate park
The LDAT wanted to give young people, especially boys aged 10 to 17, more chances to connect with positive role models and their community. Strong connections and role models help protect young people from harm from alcohol and other drugs, such as cannabis.
The school programs would reach many students, but the LDAT knew not every young person is engaged at school. So it looked for other places young people were already spending time.
Tony Perks, Senior Youth Support Worker at West Coast Youth and Community Support, noticed that young Aboriginal boys were spending time at the local skate park. The LDAT saw a chance to build on that interest. Getting involved in skateboarding and a local event could connect them more closely with their community.
How the LDAT reached young people
Mental health programs in schools
The LDAT partnered with two mental health programs. Deadly Thinking Youth (DTY), delivered with Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health, aimed to help young people build social and emotional wellbeing and strengthen their connection to community and culture. Mentally Fit Me (MFME) was delivered by youth workers, counsellors and trained teachers to 109 young people at schools or connected with local services.
A skateboarding event designed by young people
In place of the community forums, the LDAT ran weekly youth outreach through a local football club. It then expanded the program to include a local skateboarding competition, co-designed with young people.
Tony explained that skateboarding was a big drawcard, because it offered a healthy way for young people to get the adrenaline rush they were looking for.
Working with the local surf store, Tony regularly visited the skate park to connect with young Aboriginal boys and encourage them to get involved. He also spoke at Port Lincoln Primary School about the benefits of taking part and giving back to the community.
Six young people volunteered to help run the festival. They learnt every step of running an event, from getting permits and insurance to organising music and hiring a skate coach from Adelaide.
They co-designed the event. Everyone could see that it was youth-driven, from the boys getting others to judge a different age group to the serving of food. They felt like they owned it and were part of it. That was the difference. It was their event and gave the boys involved a sense of worth. Tony Perks, West Coast Youth and Community Support
Tony said the ADF provided “wraparound support” and ongoing advice, with fortnightly meetings that brought together all the LDAT’s partner organisations.
What the LDAT achieved
DTY was delivered to 112 students at a local high school, reaching every Aboriginal student in the year group, almost double the original goal of 60. Of those who took part, 78.9% reported better skills and knowledge to look after their social and emotional wellbeing.
After MFME, 100% of participants said they knew more about the signs of poor mental health and where to get help. After strong feedback, the program ran a second time.
The sports club outreach and skateboarding event reached another 90 young people in Port Lincoln, with many more young Aboriginal boys taking part in skateboarding and the event than in previous years.
Tony says creating vibrant, inclusive spaces is key to engaging young people and supporting their wellbeing.
“An important benefit has been the opportunity to have open conversations about drug use in town; what the boys are seeing on the streets and what people are experimenting with. This has allowed us to put in place proper supports now that there is a trusted relationship,” he said.
The LDAT planned to reach more groups and to have existing participants mentor others, so the event could keep going.
“We know what works and have a blueprint for future events,” said Tony.
LDAT partners
West Coast Youth and Community Support, Country SA PHN, Country and Outback Health, Department for Education, DHS Safer Family Services, Youth Justice, Department for Child Protection, Baptist Care, Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council, Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health, Aboriginal Family Support Services, City of Port Lincoln, Flinders Electorate, SA Housing Authority and SA Police.
Last reviewed: 1 November 2026
Header image: “Close-up, legs of a girl and a skateboard on a blurred parking background” by Marco Verch, used under Creative Commons 2.0.