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 53,000 population reside in Geraldton with other population hubs dispersed throughout the region, 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. There are currently three Community Response Committees established in the South West.
- Geraldton – The YASPI (Youth Alcohol and Substance Prevention Initiative) 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, established for more than 12 months and has undertaken a range of activities in this time. 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 has supported the implementation of the Mid West Year 6 Wellbeing Forum in 2024 and 2025, with more than 300 students attending from Geraldton and surrounding communities each year. The forum incorporated a range of interactive activities aimed at raising young people’s awareness of mental health, AOD risks and harms, decision-making and resiliency. The YASPI has also designed a ‘YOUth Matter!’ campaign incorporating a QR code linked to an infographic of local, regional and state AOD, mental health and wellbeing support services. This QR code campaign was promoted on a range of merchandise including polos, bucket hats, bumper stickers and wristbands. Where to go for help.
- Mullewa – The Mullewa CRC was established in December 2024. Their first major project involved the coordination of a Benny Mayhem Music Workshops and Community Concert in August 2025. The Benny Mayhem Band provided music workshops for school students in the community as well as a free community concert in the evening. Regional stakeholders were also in attendance to provide fun activities for young people to do in between the workshops and concert, and Phil Doncon delivered an engaging art performance that resulted in the design of two unique artworks for the community.
- Greenough Regional Prison – The GRP CRC has recently been established and is currently developing their Terms of Reference and Community Response Plan. This CRC aims to raise the awareness of the risk and harms of AOD use, particularly in relation to alcohol use in pregnancy and the risk of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).
If you are interested in being involved in one of our established Community Response Committees or would like to discuss potential opportunities in your local community, please contact Beth 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.