The Mid West is one of the largest regions in WA covering 605,000 km2, and hosts a rich diversity of industry comprising mining, tourism, fishing and agricultural industries. Over half of the 63,000 population reside in the coastal town of Geraldton with other smaller community hubs located around the region. The Mid West covers the lands of the Yamatji people, incorporating the Amangu, Naaguja, Wadjarr, Nadna and Badimia people, as well as the Martu people from the Western Desert.
Holyoake’s Community Engagement Officer in the Mid West works with community groups in Geraldton and Mullewa implementing community-led alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention initiatives
The Youth Alcohol and Substance Prevention Initiative – YASPI – is a youth-focused Community Response Committee consisting of stakeholders and youth community members. The YASPI is keen to raise the awareness of harms associated with alcohol and drug use amongst young people aged 12-25 years, as well as inform them of the support services available locally, regionally and statewide for this age group.
The YASPI currently has two major projects underway:
- the Mid West Year 6 Health and Wellbeing Forum is a collaborative project between the YASPI, Holyoake, the Midwest Mental Health & Community Alcohol and Drug Service, Ngala, Department of Education, headspace, WACAAN, LDAG, Desert Blue Connect, GRAMS and WA Police. Held over 3 days in June, the event will be attended by schools from around the region providing school students with information, educational interactive activities and resources to facilitate resilience and decision-making skills. The event aims to increase help-seeking behaviours and awareness of the risk and harms of AOD use.
- The Mid West Youth Support Services QR code campaign has involved the co-design of a localised infographic suitable for use on mobile phones. The YASPI has been working with the team at Holyoake to provide information about age-appropriate youth support services for young people in the Mid West. This support resource will be accessible via a QR code that will be promoted on a range of merchandise including t-shirts, bucket hats, bumper stickers and posters. Where to go for help.
In Mullewa, the AOD Community Response Committee (CRC) aims to increase the awareness of age-appropriate AOD support services amongst young people and their families and increase opportunities for young people to attend diversionary programs. These activities promote an increase in protective factors and a reduction in risk factors associated with AOD use. The Mullewa CRC has only been established since December 2024 and is already on track with the implementation of their key project.
In addition, local Mullewa school groups and community members are invited to attend the Benny Mayhem Band music workshops and family concert. This event is to be held in Mullewa in August 2025 focused on providing interactive youth diversionary programs that incorporate music, art and sport as well as educational information on the risks of AOD harm in young people. Workshops and activities will be held during the day, followed by an alcohol-free concert in the evening for the Mullewa community. 
If you like further information on any of these Mid West events, or you are interested in establishing a Community Response Committee in your community, please contact Beth Brady (Mid West Community Engagement Officer) on bbrady@holyoake.org.au or 0472 575 852, or Jo Woodruff (Team Leader – AOD Community Prevention) on jwoodruff@holyoake.org.au or 0475 506 963.