Wiluna Youth Program builds coping skills and connection

The Wiluna LDAT started in 2021, and the Youth Program was its fourth Community Action Plan (CAP). To plan it, the Shire of Wiluna formed a committee with nurses from the medical centre, the local police sergeant, the school’s deputy principal, Shire staff and the person who runs the pool over summer.

Listening to the community

The committee and local Elders agreed on the main concern: cannabis use among teenagers, and young people stepping away from school once they reached their teens. Elders wanted to see young people at school and connected to community. Read more about how to consult your community on AOD issues.

Hearing from young people

The LDAT also asked young people directly. Instead of a written questionnaire, it held informal conversations, which gave richer answers. Young people said they used cannabis to calm down when stressed, or when they were bored and had nothing to do.

So the LDAT built its CAP around two things: healthier ways to cope with stress, and regular, fun activities that keep young people engaged and connected while they learn about AOD.

Evening sessions at the youth centre

In 2024 and 2025, the LDAT ran 12 evening sessions at the Wiluna Youth and Recreation Centre. Each session paired an AOD topic with an activity, such as:

• a talk from hospital staff on how cannabis affects the brain, and on coping with stress
• mindfulness, yoga and a movie night watching Inside Out to talk about feelings
• pottery, cooking, sport, a disco and a pool night
• a games night where young people got to know local police.

Life skills such as cooking helped young people who had stepped away from school or family reconnect with community and support. For more ideas, see the Creating social connection, belonging and purpose toolkit.

Building links with local services

Having police and a nurse involved built trust, so young people know they can reach out to these services later when they need to.

What changed for young people

Around 60 young people aged 4 to 18 took part, and attendance grew as the program went on. The LDAT expected about 30 young people at the pool night, and 65 came. Attendance also varied with school holidays, and with Lore and Sorry Business in the community.

Using the LDAT evaluation tools, the LDAT found that:

• 90% of young people moved away from the idea of using AOD to cope, towards healthier alternatives
• 85% knew more about healthier coping strategies and the risks of AOD use.

Some teenagers who hadn’t been to school for two years started going again after spending time with peers at the sessions.

Advice for other LDATs

Hera’s advice for LDATs planning a similar CAP:

• find out what’s happening locally by working with other services and, most importantly, the community
• plan for local challenges, such as higher costs in remote areas where the nearest city is five hours away
• keep detailed records of each activity, so you can check progress against your goals and adjust
• lean on ADF staff, who supported the LDAT before, during and after its CAP.

What came next

In 2025, the LDAT began its fifth CAP, the Wiluna Youth Empowerment Program. It builds on the Youth Program by helping young people get ready for work, an important protective factor. The Alcohol, other drugs and young adults toolkit covers similar job-readiness work.

Last reviewed: 6 November 2026