VICKI-TREE STEPHENS WINS WACOSS LEADERSHIP AWARD

By Renata Kelly and Camilia Samson.

After nearly 20 years at the Youth Involvement Council (YIC), including 14 as CEO, Vicki-Tree Stephens has stepped into a new role focused on training and staff development. She says the recent WA Community Services Excellence Award isn’t just about her — it’s about the collective effort of the Hedland community, the YIC team, and most importantly, the young people. “Their voices shape every program we run,” she said.

Stephens said stepping aside from the CEO role wasn’t about running out of steam. “I could’ve done it another five or ten years,” she said. “But I’ve seen what happens when people stay too long. You lose the spark.” Now working alongside new CEO Tania Murray, she’s focused on building the team’s skills through hands-on training and development. “It’s hard to access in the Pilbara, but it helps people stay at work and do it well.”

Stephens kept it simple when asked what makes a difference when working with young people. “You’ve got to listen,” she said. “Not just waiting to speak — actually listening to what they want. Then help them get there.” She also discussed trauma-informed practice as a long-term commitment, not a short-term training. “It’s about showing up every day and being honest when you get it wrong,” she said. “And if you can’t regulate your emotions, you’re not going to help someone else manage theirs.”

YIC was also recognised as a finalist for Stand Out Medium Organisation, something Stephens credits to the culture and care within the team. “It’s not just about putting someone in a job. We need the right people in the right places,” she said. With a team of almost 30, YIC runs youth centres, patrols, a homelessness service, driver training, and local events like the Hedland Youth Awards. They also support events like Rowan’s Walk and next year’s 80th anniversary of the Pilbara Strike.

Listen to the full interview now!