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Current Projects

Our Projects

Building the foundations for long-term change.

Carnarvon Common Ground is progressing a mix of foundational work and practical projects shaped by community priorities.

Together, these projects are helping build the structures, relationships and practical responses needed for long-term community-led change in Carnarvon.

Building the foundations

A major focus of our work has been establishing the structures, relationships and shared direction needed to support long-term community-led action in Carnarvon. Around 35 active community members have committed to meeting every fortnight over the past two years to lead and progress this foundational work. Below are the areas our community have been working on to build our strong foundations.

Leadership and capacity

Supporting local leadership and training through mentoring, staff development and practical learning opportunities.

Governance

Developing an agreed model that brings together Aboriginal decision-making, working groups and corporate governance.

Communications

Agreeing on a clear identity through branding and positive storytelling to keep the community and partners connected to the same story.

Strategic framework

Pulling together community voice and service provider input into a clear long-term strategic plan.

Partnerships

Building collaboration through better communication, service mapping, investment mapping and agreements.

Data and transition

Developing the data and evaluation systems needed to support accountability and an ACCO-led future model.

Current Projects

Carnarvon Common Ground is progressing a range of projects focused on cultural connection, youth support, leadership, healing and safer pathways for young people and families.

Explore the projects below to learn more about the work underway, the partnerships involved and the outcomes we are working towards.

Two young girls sitting on the ground and painting a colourful wall

Carnarvon Youth Hub and Safety Project

  • In Progress

Project Officer:

Naomi McMahon

The Carnarvon Youth Hub Research Project is how we are responding. The Carnarvon Common Ground group and the GDC co‑designed a research project to understand what is really driving youth disengagement and night‑time roaming, and what kind of youth hub
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Three women smiling at the camera at a workshop for Carnarvon Common Ground. Two people are having a conversation in the background.

Carnarvon’s Healing Project

  • In Progress

Project Officer:

Naomi McMahon

The Carnarvon Community Healing Project is a long‑term, community‑led effort to heal intergenerational and transgenerational trauma and address systemic racism in our town. It aims to design a 10‑year healing model for Carnarvon that combines culturally strong healing practices, trauma‑informed

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On Country Cattle & Leadership Program

  • Completed

Project Officer:

Naomi McMahon

This project partners with HorsePower and facilitator Steve Burke to run an 18‑month on‑Country cattle and leadership program for Gascoyne young people. It builds on Steve’s past work in Carnarvon, which has already had a strong impact on emerging young

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Theonie McKenna and Devinia Wainwright holding up a piece of art that reflects the Carnarvon Common Ground Project

Our Artists

Respected member of Carnarvon Common Ground, Devinia Wainwright collaborated and mentored Theonie McKenna to create the artwork for the Project. This piece tells the story of our community walking together toward a shared future. It represents the Common Ground as a place where services and community unite to provide support, guidance, connection, and healing for our youth and families.

The river meeting the sea – a landmark of Carnarvon -symbolises peace, grounding, and our deep connection to spirit and ancestors who walk with us every day. Our lands and ocean sustain us with traditional foods like mullet, kangaroo, and turtle, keeping us strong and healthy while preserving our culture for generations to come.