This Thursday, the Y NSW and Origin Foundation celebrated their partnership supporting Alternative Suspension, an evidence-based program helping young people suspended from school, or at risk of disengaging, reconnect with learning, their communities, and their futures.
Origin Foundation has joined the partnership alongside the Y NSW, Eureka Benevolent Foundation, Westpac Foundation, Matana Foundation for Young People, and The Kimberley Foundation to expand the program's impact.
The event at the Y Penrith will bring together representatives from the Origin Foundation, schools, funders, local services, community organisations, and Y NSW staff to recognise the shared effort behind the program and the difference it is making for young people in the local community and across NSW.
Since Alternative Suspension commenced in Penrith earlier this year, more than 40 young people from local schools have taken part. Thirty per cent of referrals identify as First Nations and 45 per cent as culturally and linguistically diverse. The average age of participants is 14 years.
Alternative Suspension works alongside schools, families and local services to support young people during a suspension from school. It gives young people time, trusted relationships and practical support to address the issues sitting behind disengagement, while staying connected to education and working towards a positive return to learning.
Across NSW, 664 young people attended the program between February 2023 and June 2026. At three-month follow-up, a sample of 110 participants found:
- 59 per cent had not received a further suspension.
- Disciplinary sanctions reduced by 44 per cent.
- Engagement with learning improved by an average of 30 per cent.
Separate analysis of 228 participants also found improvements in physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying, disruptive behaviour, and absenteeism.
The Y NSW General Manager, Young People Services, Marta Vasquez, said the program has shown what is possible when schools and communities have the right support around them.
"We are deeply grateful to our generous funding partners and to every school, local service, community organisation, and family that has stood behind this program to date. Their support has given young people a chance to reset, reflect, reconnect, and see a positive way forward," Ms Vasquez said.
"It is through that shared commitment that Alternative Suspension has been able to make a real difference in communities across NSW.
"We know schools cannot do this work alone, and neither can families. That is why the Y NSW seeks to support the work they are already doing.
"The next step is sustained NSW Government investment, so Alternative Suspension can continue supporting schools and young people.
"This is an investment not only in students, teachers and school leaders, but in the future of NSW. When young people stay connected to learning, they have stronger pathways into further education, work and positive participation in their communities.
"With the Alternative Suspension program, we can see lives shift in trajectory, having a positive impact on students, families, schools, and communities."
Head of Origin Foundation Michelle Zahra recently visited the Alternative Suspension centre in Broken Hill to meet with local school leaders and see the impact the program is having in the community.
"Hearing from them about improved behaviours, students that are re-engaging with education, and coming back to school positive about their futures is something that has stayed with me," Ms Zahra said.
"My hope for the future of the Alternative Suspension program is that more young people can access the support they need to reconnect with their learning, regardless of their personal circumstances or where they live. This is core to the Origin Foundation's purpose of creating brighter futures through education.
"Often, it's about creating a circuit breaker at a critical point in time for a young person and helping them to see that one difficult period does not have to define their future."
Mayor Todd Carney said it was encouraging to see partners working together to support programs helping young people in the Penrith community.
"Penrith City Council was pleased to support this program and the Y's community engagement through the Thriving Communities Grant," Mayor Carney said.
"Young people should have the support, tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential."
Origin Foundation's support has helped strengthen and expand Alternative Suspension, ensuring more young people can access support at a time when it can make the greatest difference.
