A Therapeutic Residential Care program is giving young people opportunities to find connection and identity.
Young people in the State's 27 metropolitan and regional Therapeutic Residential Care Houses are discovering new skills, confidence and self-worth thanks to a range of sport and recreation programs.
As the Department of Communities Recreation Coordinator, Steve has spent the past 14 years developing school holiday camps and helping young people get involved in community sport.
Steve is engaging young people, particularly young Aboriginal people in care, through activities such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, basketball and cultural camps.
Using his background in the sporting, local government and leadership sectors, Steve is also changing the mindset and lives of these young people.
"I don't have a background in child protection or case management, so I come at this (therapeutic care) from a different angle," Steve said.
"I know they're in the home from whatever reason - I understand there's trauma but that doesn't have to define their future. For me, it's about giving them freedom to be themselves, make mistakes and learn from those mistakes."
Steve says sport has helped him build strong relationships, particularly with Aboriginal organisations, which he draws on to mentor young Aboriginal people to help them find identity and cultural connection.
"I've worked all over the State and I am very passionate about keeping kids connected to their culture - even though I'm not Aboriginal, I feel like (looking after) culture should be everyone's business," Steve said.
"We need to work together to ensure young Aboriginal people in the care system are connected with their culture and community."
Earlier this year, Steve received the Excellence in Education and Training Award at the Department's 2025 Achiever Awards for his unique cultural camps that go beyond surface-level engagement, allowing young people to discover their talents, develop skills, confidence and a deep sense of belonging.
The young men's cultural camp program has now been expanded to include girls-only camps, which are developed and run by female Aboriginal staff and Elders.
He also helps to connect young people in the various Therapeutic Residential Care Houses with education and training opportunities, further enhancing their development, as well as their employment prospects.
