Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw, a proud Kooma man and youth worker, has made a huge difference to the town of Cunnamulla by opening a youth neighbourhood centre. As a local himself, Jarib knows what it’s like to live in a quiet town where there’s not a lot for young people to do outside the home.
At the heart of Jarib’s project is showing young people in places like Cunnamulla, that their stories matter. Since Jarib founded the centre two years ago, almost every young person in town has come through its doors seeking support, food and connection. Jarib draws on his own lived experience to ensure they feel safe and seen and he has personally case managed 200 young people. It is a place where they can be themselves and receive the support they need to manage complex and traumatic situations in their lives.
Jarib’s ability to listen, guide and offer hope is making a genuine difference to young people in Cunnamulla.