Palmerston is proud to announce the launch of Kedala Mia Dayhab. A new, community-based day rehabilitation program designed to support young people aged 10–17 in the Bindjareb region.
Set to commence in July 2025, the 10-week program will run four days a week during the school term, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Winjan Aboriginal Corporation in Mandurah. Delivered at Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, the program offers a culturally informed, strengths-based model of care to help young people address substance use and offending behaviours.
Funded through a Commonwealth grant of nearly $1 million, Kedala Mia (a Noongar term meaning dayhouse) will provide young people with intensive, accessible support while remaining connected to family and culture. As a dayhab model, participants return home each evening after engaging in therapeutic, educational, and peer-led activities in a safe and supportive environment.
The first Kedala Mia group has been fully booked and is ready to begin. Nominations for the second group are now open and are expected to fill quickly.
“This program is about more than just intervention — it’s about opportunity,” says Emma Jarvis, CEO of Palmerston. “Kedala Mia will give young people a space to grow, reflect and build the confidence and skills they need for a brighter future.”
Kedala Mia will be staffed by a dedicated team including a program coordinator, a counsellor/educator, and a peer worker, offering:
- Harm reduction support
- Connection to education and training
- Peer connection
- Pathways to community support and recovery
Referrals into the program will be accepted from Police, Youth Justice, the Courts, Self-referals, local service providers and networks.
“We know early intervention is key. With Kedala Mia, we’re meeting young people where they are, offering support that’s flexible, meaningful, and rooted in community,” Ms Jarvis said.
Palmerston is proud to be working alongside Winjan Aboriginal Corporation to deliver a service that is grounded in cultural understanding, local leadership, and community connection.
Kedala Mia Coordinator, Cassie said, “I am so excited to see the potential outcomes for your people engaging in the program, given it provides an opportunity to support and engage youth people 4 days a week for 10 weeks.”
Kedala Mia has been very well received by the community. The first 10-week group has already reached capacity and is set to begin later this month. Nominations are now open for Group Two, scheduled to begin later in the year.
To find out more or make a referral, contact our team at KedalaMia@palmerston.org.au .
