SA Community Youth Justice team recognised on national stage
The outstanding work by DHS’s Community Youth Justice team has been recognised at the 2025 Australasian Youth Justice Administrators (AYJA) Awards, where they took out first place in the Exceptional Practice (Team) category.
The award celebrates the team’s innovative partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Building and Civil Construction Academy and the RAW Group to deliver the Aboriginal Pathways to Employment program — an initiative creating life-changing opportunities for Aboriginal young people in contact with youth justice.
Aboriginal Pathways to Employment Program
The program provides culturally informed training, mentoring and on-the-job experience across the building, civil and construction industries. Its focus on strengthening cultural identity, building confidence and supporting young people into sustainable employment is helping create genuine, long-term change.
“This program is about opening doors,” DHS General Manager Community Youth Justice, Kate Fluin said as she accepted the award on behalf of the broader Community Youth Justice team. “By working alongside the Academy and RAW Group, we’re able to give young people real pathways, real skills and a real chance to thrive.”
The benefits extend well beyond employment outcomes; the program is helping young people reconnect with culture, develop practical life skills and feel positive about their future.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the work of our team recognised on a national stage,” General Manager Kate Fluin said. “I couldn’t be more proud, especially knowing we were competing against seven other jurisdictions across Australia and New Zealand. It’s a remarkable achievement and a real testament to the passion, skill and commitment our staff bring to supporting young people every single day.”
South Australia was also proudly represented by Ceryce Stone, who was a finalist in the Exceptional Practice (Individual) category for her outstanding commitment to young people at Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre and her exemplary contribution to youth justice.
Congratulations and thank you to all involved for your dedication, passion and innovation in supporting young people.