Shire of Broome greenlights upgrades to Yawardani Jan-ga equine assisted learning facility

The Shire of Broome has approved a development proposal to upgrade Yawardani Jan-ga’s equine assisted learning facility, which helps young Aboriginal people build their social and emotional wellbeing by working with horses.

The proposal includes the construction of horse stables, two smaller shade structures, horse arenas and new fences, which Yawardani Jan-ga Founder Juli Coffin said would allow the service to run into the wet season.

“It means we can actually offer the program for a lot longer period through the year, where the wet season really dictates what we can do. This allows us to keep the horses really comfortable pretty much all year round,” she said.

“Previously, we haven’t been able to do that. The horses had to go down south because we couldn’t keep them cool or provide adequate space for them through the wet. This will really increase our capacity to offer the program longer — and that’s a big win for the community.

“Particularly around that wet season, there’s not a lot on offer for young people to do in town. Being able to keep the horses here and keep the program going through that time is huge.

“It’s a culturally responsive way for our Aboriginal young people to connect with themselves, with family and on country. It’s about building positive relationships and giving them a space that feels like theirs.”

Ms Coffin said she hoped the upgrades would be finished in time for 2026-27 wet season.

Despite the proposal being unanimously carried at the Broome September 18 ordinary council meeting, one resident raised concerns about horses being exercised in areas that require a licence.

Deputy President Desiree Male said the shire would make sure to monitor the issue.

“I just want to reiterate what was asked on Tuesday, just for the benefit of anyone in viewing, there was obviously some correspondence received from a member of the public expressing concerns about the horses being exercised in areas that are otherwise prohibited without a licence,” she said.

“I understand there’s a bit of argy-bargy going on there about that, but the officers are fully aware of that complaint.”