Published on Friday, 27 February 2026 at 12:03:00 PM
Members of the Shire of East Pilbara’s newly established Youth Advisory Council have taken an important early step in representing young people across the region, travelling to Karratha to share their perspectives on what it takes to grow up, stay, and succeed in the Pilbara.
The group attended the Community Sector Networking Expo, where they took part in a youth panel focused on the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing young people across the region.
During the panel discussion, Council members spoke about the strong sense of connection and belonging that comes with living in regional towns, while also highlighting the need for better access to education, healthcare, transport and local career pathways to support young people to build their futures in the Pilbara.
The visit also included meetings with State and Federal representatives, giving the new Youth Advisory Council an early opportunity to raise local priorities and begin shaping a clear advocacy agenda.
Local Federal MP Melissa Price praised the confidence shown by the group and the importance of providing young people with opportunities to be heard.
“It was inspiring to join with the Shire of East Pilbara Youth Council at the Pilbara for Purpose event in Karratha,” Ms Price said.
“It’s important that our future leaders are given opportunities to share their views on what matters to them and their community. While speaking in front of adults can be daunting, these young leaders did an outstanding job getting their views across. Well done to the Shire for making the trip happen.”
Shire President Anthony Middleton said the visit highlighted the value of backing young people early and trusting them to speak for themselves.
“Our young people know their communities, and they know what’s working and what isn’t,” Cr Middleton said.
“Getting them into rooms like this, meeting people face-to-face and having their voices taken seriously helps build confidence and keeps young people engaged in the future of the East Pilbara.”
West Australian Senator Dean Smith indicated his willingness to support a youth-led advocacy initiative, with public transport in Newman identified by the group as a priority affecting employment, education and social participation. WA MLC Phil Twiss said meeting with the Youth Advisory Council reinforced how important it is to address ongoing barriers facing young people in regional areas.
“Speaking with members of the Youth Advisory Council about the challenges young people still face in securing employment really resonated with me,” Mr Twiss said.
“Having grown up in the Pilbara myself, I know how difficult it can be when opportunities aren’t available locally, and it reinforces why we need to keep improving pathways for young people in regional Western Australia.”
The Karratha visit marked an important early milestone for the new Youth Advisory Council, providing members with real-world leadership experience and establishing relationships that will support youth advocacy across the East Pilbara in the year ahead.
The visit was supported by local partners including The Y Newman and the Pilbara Aboriginal Medical Service.
The Shire of East Pilbara will continue to support the Youth Advisory Council as it develops advocacy priorities and builds on connections formed during the visit, ensuring young voices remain part of shaping the region’s future.
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