Ngaanyatjarra Health Service is building on Yarnangu knowledge, culture and community strengths as it works to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of children and young people across the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
Over July and August 2026, Ngaanyatjarra Health Service (NHS) began the first phase of an organisation-wide program to strengthen the way child safety and wellbeing are embedded across its work.
The approach grows directly from Yara Kutjupa – Blue Sky Thinking for Ngaanyatjarra Futures, which captured Ngaanyatjarra aspirations for children, young people and families.
This work builds on the strengths, relationships, culture and knowledge already present in community. It recognises that keeping children and young people safe is not only about protecting them from harm, but supporting them to grow up with strong family, strong culture, belonging, learning, opportunity and hope.
Listening and learning on the Lands
Listening and relationship-building have been central to the first phase of the work.
During July and August, NHS engaged with staff, leaders, Health Workers, youth and community-facing teams and partner organisations.
This included the first dedicated child safeguarding visit to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands during August, with engagement in Jameson, Warburton, Kiwirrkurra and Warakurna.
The visit provided opportunities for informal yarning with staff, community members and young people and to better understand how culture, relationships, local knowledge and the realities of remote service delivery should shape the work ahead.
Cultural authority at the centre
An important milestone was reached on 25 August, when the NHS Board formally endorsed the Statement of Commitment to Child Safeguarding.
The Statement brings together the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations with Yarnangu knowledge, culture, priorities and aspirations.
The Board also agreed to provide cultural authority for the work and champion its implementation, ensuring Yarnangu authority is built into the program from the beginning.
The work draws on Ngaanyatjarra concepts including miranykanyilku — looking after, kuru pirni — many eyes, and lurrtju — walking together.
Building the next phase together
The initial work has highlighted significant strengths already present across NHS and community — including committed staff, established clinical and governance systems, and the deep knowledge held by Yarnangu, Health Workers and locally based staff.
The next phase will place an even stronger focus on culturally appropriate participation by children, young people, families and communities, alongside continued work to strengthen policies, workforce capability and organisational systems.
The aim is to continue building the approach together — combining NHS’s responsibilities for child safety with Ngaanyatjarra knowledge, strengths and cultural authority. Lurrtju — walking together.
