Creativity, Culture and Connection: A Memorable Week in Onslow

July 31, 2026

A recent visit to Onslow provided a valuable opportunity for our staff member, Cara Stewart, to connect with local students, educators and community members while gaining a deeper understanding of life in one of Western Australia’s most unique regional communities.

The five-day visit began with a tour of the town, including key landmarks such as the school, salt operations, jetty precinct and local beaches. It was an excellent introduction to Onslow’s history, growth and the strong community spirit that underpins the town.

A key focus of the visit was spending time at Onslow Primary School alongside the Waalitj Foundation team. Students from a range of year levels participated in creative calico bag-painting workshops, guided by Waalitj mentors and Noongar artist Lea Taylor from Creative Culture. Through art and storytelling, students explored culture, creativity and self-expression, producing vibrant designs that reflected their unique personalities and ideas.

The visit also provided insight into the important support services available to local young people. Time spent with both primary and secondary students highlighted the strong relationships being built through community programs, with conversations often centered around local passions such as footy, fishing and life in Onslow.

Beyond the classroom, Cara had the opportunity to learn more about the region through visits to the Goods Shed Museum, Ashburton River and the historic Old Onslow townsite. The group also met with healthcare providers to learn about innovative mobile services helping improve access to specialist health screenings in remote communities.

One of the highlights of the week was joining the school’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Students, staff and community members came together for a community cook-up featuring traditional foods, cultural activities and student art presentations. The event celebrated culture, community and the importance of sharing knowledge across generations.

The visit concluded with support for the local Auskick program, where volunteers and coaches worked together to create a fun and inclusive environment for young participants.

Reflecting on the experience, Cara said the connections made throughout the week left the greatest impression.

“The opportunity to spend time with students, families and community members was incredibly rewarding. It was inspiring to see the positive impact of the programs being delivered in Onslow and the strong sense of community that exists throughout the town.”

The visit highlighted the strength of the Onslow community and the positive impact that collaboration, cultural connection and community led initiatives can have in supporting young people to thrive.