Walking, canoeing, bush medicine, and learning about Country - recently eight young women from the East Kimberley took part in the Bedford Downs Stock Route Walk, a justice diversion initiative grounded in culture and led by community.
This is the first time the walk has been run for young women, following the success of last year’s pilot with young men. The group set off from Wuggubun on Sunday before travelling through key locations across Country, including an overnight stay at Lake Argyle with canoeing and even a helicopter flight! Along the way, the girls camped, fished, made bush food and learned from Elders and mentors, whilst building confidence through shared experience.
The week was the culmination of months of preparation. In the lead-up to the walk, the young women have took part in sessions on kinship, social and emotional regulation, swimming, art, and group yarning circles - all focused on strengthening trust, self-awareness, and readiness for the big walk.
Led by Wunan Director and Traditional Owner Lexi Trancollino, the program is supported by a dedicated team of cultural mentors and staff, alongside partners including 54 Reasons, NIAA, LifeChanger, WAPOL, PCYC, East Kimberley College, Sports Chaplaincy Australia, Alta1, Youth Justice, and Edge Adventures.
This initiative is designed as an alternative sentencing option and a pathway for early intervention. It provides young people who may be at risk of entering - or already involved in - the justice system with meaningful opportunities to reconnect with culture and explore positive futures.