Brighter Futures, June 2025

Prize Giving

Celebrating progress, possibility and community

The room was filled with pride as students, families and supporters came together. The day also marked a milestone: our long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Neil Robinson, officially handed over to Kathleen Donohoe.

Tarab (Year 6) was celebrated as an exceptional role model. Hal (Year 11), a state-level basketballer and coach, was recognised for persisting through multiple knee surgeries to mentor others. Casey (Arts and Law) was recognised for her work in legal reform and disability rights, Justine (Year 10) for her open-mindedness, and Isla (Science Advanced) for her outstanding results. Asim received the H & M Pope Award for Excellence in Engineering and IT, and Tarab and Arnold became fast friends on the day.

Libbie's next chapter

How support helped a university student move forward with purpose

Libbie is a second year Bachelor of Advanced Medical Science student with a Weighted Average Mark of 90. From a refugee background and the first in her family at university, she moved in with her pensioner grandparents in 2024 to ease the pressure at home, borrowed textbooks from the library and ran chemistry support sessions for first year students.

When we stepped in, she no longer had to choose between textbooks, transport and lab fees. Her internship at the NICM Health Research Institute sparked a passion for natural medicines, and she now plans a Master of Research on the way to becoming a medical researcher.

The ongoing encouragement gave me a sense of stability, reminded me that my efforts mattered, and motivated me to keep striving.Libbie

A brighter future too

Libbie's little cousin, Natalie

Natalie, now in Year 2, dreams of becoming a paramedic and "saving people's lives". She started school quiet and unsure, but support from Kindergarten brought tutoring, learning resources and encouragement.

She has joined the choir, represented her stage in public speaking in both English and Khmer, and received the A Start in Life Award for Best School Attendance and Effort.

Through books and activities, her thoughts can be put into words, and from there, gradually, her little world can grow wider by exploration and curiosity.Natalie's mum

The work isn't finished

A closer look at what's still unfolding

Stories like Libbie's and Natalie's show what is possible when a student gets the right support at the right time. But many young people are still at the starting line. One in three parents can't afford uniforms, shoes or stationery, and many students say they no longer feel engaged in learning.

A gift of $75 provides a literacy, numeracy and creativity pack; $125 funds two tutoring sessions; $225 supports career development activities; and $1,000 equips a tertiary student with a laptop.