Community Programs
Stronger Communities Through Connection
Regional communities thrive when organisations work together — and collaboration remained at the heart of EPIC’s Community Programs throughout 2025–26.
Across the year, our Community Programs recorded 202 workshops, sessions and events, including 117 Parenting activities, 71 Jobs & Skills activities and 14 broader EPIC community activities. These were delivered across a vast regional footprint, with our teams continuing to find ways to bring practical information, support and connection closer to the people who need it.
Throughout the year, EPIC strengthened relationships with schools, employers, community organisations and service providers across the Pilbara. New and emerging partnerships included Karratha Women’s Place, Child Parent Centre Hedland, Paraburdoo Neighbourhood Centre and Gurlu Gurlu Maya in Roebourne, while engagement through the Roebourne Services Support Network opened further opportunities for community-led programming and consultation with local Elders.
EPIC also continued supporting the Karratha and Surrounds Early Years Network, helping local early-years and parenting organisations work collaboratively rather than in isolation. Outreach remained an important focus, with opportunities identified to strengthen services in communities including Newman, Pannawonica, Onslow, Paraburdoo and Roebourne.
Our approach is deliberately responsive. What works in Karratha may not be what families or jobseekers need in Newman, Roebourne or Hedland. By listening locally, working alongside existing organisations and adapting programs around community need, EPIC can help create services that are not simply delivered to communities, but developed with them.
Parenting
Supporting Parents, Strengthening Families
Parenting can be rewarding, challenging and everything in between — and in regional and remote communities, families may also be raising children far away from their usual support networks.
During 2025–26, EPIC delivered 117 parenting workshops, sessions and events across the Pilbara, creating opportunities for parents and carers to access practical information, connect with other families and build confidence in their parenting journey.
Partnerships continued to be central to the program. An ADHD parenting workshop delivered with Connect Paediatric was well attended, with most participants reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with the content and overall experience. EPIC also worked with organisations including Grow Strong Lactation, Karratha Women’s Place, Child Parent Centre Hedland, Nintirri and Gurlu Gurlu Maya to bring locally relevant programs into communities.
Later in the year, successful nutrition and sleep workshops at Gurlu Gurlu Maya in
Roebourne demonstrated the value of taking practical parenting information into trusted community spaces. New opportunities were also explored for financial and budgeting workshops in Newman and for further partnerships across Hedland.
The program also continued its involvement with the Karratha and Surrounds Early Years Network, helping strengthen connections between the many organisations working alongside children and families.
At its heart, EPIC’s Parenting program is not about prescribing one way to parent. It is about giving families access to practical tools, trusted information, community connection and reassurance — helping parents feel more supported as they navigate each stage of family life.
Jobs and Skills Centre
Creating Pathways to Work, Skills and Opportunity
Finding the right employment pathway can change far more than a person’s job. It can build confidence, independence, connection and a stronger sense of possibility.
Throughout 2025–26, EPIC’s Jobs & Skills team continued to provide free, practical career and employment support across the Pilbara, delivering 71 workshops, sessions and events during the year while meeting 100% of its client contact benchmark. Client satisfaction continued to match or exceed the Western Australian state average.
Earlier in the year, feedback from the Jobs & Skills Centre showed 98% of clients would recommend the service to a friend, reflecting the team’s focus on personalised, practical support.
Behind these numbers are real employment outcomes.
GOOD NEWS STORY: Employment Outcome for James
Long-term jobseeker James worked one-on-one with the team to complete training, develop a tailored résumé, submit applications and prepare for interviews. His persistence paid off when he secured a DIDO position with ISS. Later in the year, working holidaymaker Julian visited the Centre looking for local work. After receiving résumé support, coaching and advice about connecting with employers, he secured a job within a day — and soon after, a second.
Connecting Young People With Their Future
The 2026 Career Expo was another standout, bringing approximately 971 students together with 77 exhibitors from across the Pilbara. Students travelled from Newman, Pannawonica and Roebourne, alongside Karratha schools and colleges, to explore local industries, employers, training providers and career pathways. The Jobs & Skills Centre welcomed 197 visitors to its stall during the event.
Beyond the Expo, the team continued working with schools and community partners to bring career development closer to young people and jobseekers, including Roebourne District High School, Tom Price and emerging collaborations with the Stars Foundation and Roebourne Regional Prison.
Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, changing careers or simply unsure where to begin, our Jobs & Skills team continues to meet people where they are — and help them take the next step.
