An important Indigenous cultural hub in Western Australia's Goldfields is set for a transformative period which will further embed inclusion and community connection across the vast region.
The Y Kalgoorlie Recreation Centre's new manager, Leah Stuart-Douglas, brings a unique blend of professional expertise and deep First Nations cultural knowledge to one of the Goldfields' most important community hubs, about 600km east of Perth.
She told National Indigenous Times new opportunities to further embed cultural inclusion and community connection through facilities and programming were being explored.
"I bring a wealth of knowledge around child development, positive mental health techniques and trauma-informed best practice that will benefit the wider community," the proud First Nations woman said.
These included a yarning circle gathering space which will encourage conversation, connection and knowledge sharing. Longer-term aspirations included a reconciliation garden and community cookout space, building local culture and stronger relationships across the region.
Ms Stuart-Douglas's rich cultural heritage includes Aboriginal, Croatian, German and Māori backgrounds, with her lived experiences shaping a leadership profile grounded in respect, inclusion and cultural understanding.
Her Indigenous heritage is from Yuin, on the south coast of New South Wales, and she felt privileged to spend time living and learning on Barngala Nauo Country in South Australia.
Ms Stuart-Douglas was also fostered by a Wirangu Kokotha woman, who shared traditional language, dreaming stories and bush knowledge — experiences which continue to inform her personal and professional outlook.
"I enjoy connecting people and creating cohesive networks within the communities that I live in." she said, adding community facilities were essential to social cohesion, cultural understanding and future generations.
The Y Kalgoorlie Recreation Centre's programs and services included STEM education, disability services, youth programs and activities like rock climbing, soft play, gymnastics, yoga and martial arts.
With a career spanning education, child protection and community wellbeing, Ms Stuart-Douglas' initial career as a music teacher led to a strong interest in sound healing and trauma-informed approaches to learning and mental health.
This passion led her to establish her own child-safe business in the Eyre Peninsula which provided alternative educational programs for disadvantaged young people, including students living with disability and challenging behaviours.
She later worked in New Zealand's education sector, training educators in trauma-based and cultural perspectives, before returning to Australia where Ms Stuart-Douglas managed a large childcare facility and worked in child protection and community mental health education.
Throughout her career, Ms Stuart-Douglas has championed culturally responsive practices that recognise the importance of identity, belonging and community connection to achieving positive results.
"I have always held the belief that we are given chances and choices in life and are only disadvantaged by our perspectives, beliefs and biases," Ms Stuart-Douglas said.
"When we know better, we do better."
