My name is Michael Coombes; a Tiwi, Iwaidja and Luritja man from the saltwater and desert region. I spent my youngest years living in the Tiwi community before moving to Darwin and then Adelaide on a scholarship to Rostrevor College boarding school. I spent six years in Adelaide, which saw me complete year 12, excel in AFL, and gain many life skills.

After travelling between one territory and two states, I relocated back to the Tiwi Islands. Moving back home opened my eyes, seeing the disadvantages and the lack of resources in my community. Instead of pointing fingers, I decided to put it on myself and drive this change.

My partner, Gabrielle Field, has worked with children for over 10 years and has several years of working with children from trauma backgrounds. She is a Wanarauh woman from the Hunter Valley of NSW. She sees children and young people struggling to unlock their potential for various reasons. The biggest reason is the difficulty of students' ability to overcome the challenges and trauma they face in their lives. She believes that if the program can provide a positive outlet and safe space for children to participate in, it would significantly impact their academic outcomes and open up more pathways for them after school.

I will spearhead the program and am committed to being a catalyst for change. Gabrielle and I want to transform the community to benefit our children, young people and the community. We have the collective skills and knowledge to make the Jipungwayi Youth Pathways Program a success.