Embracing Change and Embracing Community: The Story of Jamie Barr's Impact in Kwinana

At the City of Kwinana, we are fortunate to have many individuals who embody the spirit of change and progress. Among these inspiring changemakers is Jamie Barr, affectionately known as JB. Jamie stands out for his exceptional dedication to young people. Having transitioned from his pivotal role coordinating the Armadale Youth Intervention Project (AYIP), run by Save the Children in partnership with numerous organisations, JB has brought a wealth of knowledge, passion, and energy to K-Town. He has also brought a want to question the system – back by the past successes of AYIP!

Jamie's dedication to youth engagement has and continues to lead to transformative change in Kwinana. He is currently spearheading the Arclight project, an innovative initiative designed to reach young people struggling to engage in the education system. The Arclight initiative utilises principles, learnings, and strategies founded by Save the Children’s groundbreaking Youth Partnership Project (2014-2021) to combat the rising number of young people entering the justice system.

Arclight is not the standard, 'lock them up' type initiative we often hear about in the media or in the annals of social media-based community discussions. This initiative has 'nurture,' 'care,' and 'love' at its core. It employs an asset-based approach to youth engagement, recognising that simply locking up young people is not a solution—perhaps it never was. Arclight acknowledges that many young people have been overlooked by society and have not been afforded a 'standard,' 'safe,' and 'nurturing' childhood. These individuals have had to grow up quickly, often facing challenges most of us cannot imagine. Certainly not in first-world, Australia!

In a time when punitive measures have proven ineffective nationwide, with youth detention centres like Banksia overflowing and many repeat "visitors", it's clear that we all need to think differently. JB is doing just that. His innovative approach provides new opportunities for young people and reshapes how our community in Kwinana approaches youth engagement.

JB’s nuanced understanding and deep commitment to making a difference have been a source of inspiration for all of us. He is more than just a changemaker and a community practitioner; he is also a genuinely kind and approachable person. He is an incredibly valued member of our team and community.

The reality is in my time at Kwinana, Jamie Barr has continually asked us to imagine what can be achieved through dedication, empathy, and compassion. JB’s work is a testament to the power of community-focused initiatives and serves as a reminder of the incredible potential we have to create positive change, when community is at the CENTRE of our solutions. Arclight involves many cornerstones of our community, as it should.

Let's celebrate Jamie Barr's achievements and continue to support his mission to make Kwinana a better place for our future generations. We need more people willing to push the boundaries like Jamie Barr and more Government and funding agencies willing to think differently. We need them to be brave to see different solutions are possible for young people at the centre of social issues – it just takes deep thought, care and a community to work together.

In closing, I also wish to acknowledge the many organisations, individuals, and government departments that have helped us pilot Arclight in Kwinana. In particular, I thank Rosie Rooney and Kael Coleman from Curtin University for taking a calculated risk with the funding for the Arclight pilot. We hope the proof is in the pudding, with the immense outcomes from the past six months and we hope this will lead to a different future for the young people of Kwinana!