UWA law student spends holiday helping Youth Involvement Council in Hedland

A law student at University of WA has spent her winter break helping the Youth Involvement Council deliver its services to the Hedland community. While other students may have been partying or relaxing on their break Renee Sumich, who is currently doing a Juris Doctor, decided she wanted to spend her time off doing something more constructive. As a way to challenge herself and learn more about the social issues she’s passionate about, Ms Sumich decided to head up to Hedland. “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about issues that are close to home but outside of my own community, to challenge my perspective,” she said. Ms Sumich’s involvement with YIC came through an internship with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship. She said the experience allowed her to become involved in the community through a variety of services. “We supported the kids day-to-day, picking kids up who normally wouldn’t have transport to these events, and engaged with them throughout the day,” Ms Sumich said. “We also did nightly patrols where we would drive around in a bus and offer kids a safe ride home. “This work made me realise that there is plenty you can do in your community to help, rather than just give money — community is about connection.” In addition to helping YIC deliver its services, Ms Sumich got to attend the Yule on Country meeting. She said the experience allowed her to learn about the issues facing Indigenous people in the Pilbara. “We heard the position statements raised by the elders and emerging leaders on community issues faced in the Pilbara region, including systematic reform, education, health, and community safety,” Ms Sumich said. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, and State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Dr Tony Buti were in attendance at the meeting on July 13. Ms Sumich also got to speak with Aboriginal Legal Service lawyers and said she hoped to use the experience throughout her studies and future career.