About WYPIN
The Western Young People’s Independent Network (WYPIN) are a group of young people who are challenging racism and social issues in the community.
WYPIN’s main focus is working with young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds who are between 12 and 25 years old. It is a service for people connected to the Western Suburb of Melbourne.
Our vision
WYPIN wants a multicultural Australian society with understanding between young people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
Our mission
To achieve that vision, WYPIN exists to:
- Break down ignorance and bridge understanding between young people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds;
- Enable young people to stand up for their interests and rights when decisions are made which negatively effect them, and encourage young people to accept responsibility for their own actions;
- Empower young people to develop skills which enable them to successfully overcome their problems and achieve their full potential;
- Provide young people with the opportunity to feel better about themselves and more positive about their lives in the Western Region of Melbourne
- Address both structural and personal racism and discrimination.
Who started WYPIN? When? Why?
The Western Young People’s Independent Network (WYPIN) has been in existence since March 1989. It was started by a group of young people who were interested in challenging racism and social issues in the community.
It was started off with a group of seven young people from various migrant backgrounds who went with community social worker, Donna Beer from the Migrant Resource Centre (Footscray) to see John Finlayson, Co-coordinator of the Victorian Youth Advocacy Network. This was the first time these young people had ever met as a group to discuss their needs, assets and aspirations. It was at this meeting that their first submission for funding was written to set up a young people’s information and drop-in-centre at the Migrant Resource Centre in Footscray.
The Western Young People’s Independent Network Inc was formerly known as “Western Independent Youth Empowerment Network”. The organisation was established in March 1989. In 1991, it changed it name to WYPIN.
WYPIN has moved to many different auspice locations in Footscray from Inner West Migrant Resource Centre to Open Family then to Inner West Migrant Resource Centre and finally at Melbourne Citymission.
Currently, WYPIN is auspiced by Melbourne Citymission.
