Published on Friday, 19 September 2025 at 2:24:33 PM
Young people aged 14-25 across the Shire of Dardanup and the greater Bunbury region are invited to take part in the Next Gen Skills Program – an exciting, free initiative being held during the September school holidays.
Running from Monday, 29 September to Friday, 3 October 2025, the program offers a week of hands-on workshops and activities designed to teach essential real-world skills not often taught in schools, including budgeting, cooking, trades, tech, culture, wellbeing and road safety.
Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said the Shire was proud to support this unique youth-focused program, which is a first for the Shire.
“We are really excited to be hosting the Next Gen Skills Program in our Shire for the very first time,” Cr Gardiner said.
“This program is all about equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive after school – whether that’s managing money, preparing healthy meals, exploring trades or even assembling a computer.”
A highlight of the program will be the Cooking and Culture workshop with Keipa Boodja Aboriginal Corporation, where participants will have the chance to experience bush tucker cooked outdoors at Watsons Reserve.
Keipa Boodja Director and Chair Annette Garlett said the session would be a special opportunity for young people to connect with Noongar culture through food.
“We’ll be preparing a variety of Noongar dishes, including kangaroo stew and damper, and encouraging participants to get involved in both the cooking and tasting,” Ms Garlett said.
“It’s about giving our young people a taster of traditional Noongar cuisine and showing how important food is in bringing people together.”
Ms Garlett said Watsons Reserve, known locally as “the old elbow”, held great cultural significance.
“This site is very important to Noongar people – it’s a place where our elders used to gather back in the day,” she said.
“To be here cooking bush tucker with young people makes it even more meaningful, as it keeps our culture alive and shared with the next generation.”
Delivered with the support of key partners including Eaton Community College, Wink Lindsay, Keipa Boodja Aboriginal Corporation, Blue Leaf, Skill Hire, RAC, Beam Scooters, RYDE Program, IT Blackspot, and the Shire’s Place and Community Engagement staff, the program is proudly supported by the Department of Communities.
“Instead of just filling time during the holidays, Next Gen Skills gives young people the chance to learn practical life skills in a fun, engaging and social environment,” Cr Gardiner said
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with local mentors, businesses and community groups who are here to support their journey into adulthood.”
Bookings are now open. For the full program and to register, visit Next Gen Skills program webpage
Preparing for a Cooking and Culture event on 1 October for the Next Gen Skills Program are (from left) Shire of Dardanup Place and Community Engagement Officer Will Tuck, Keipa Boodja Director and Secretary Lisa Collard, Director and Chair Annette Garlett and Director Murray Collard at Watsons Reserve where the event will be held.
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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