Celebrating the Class of 2025: Souths Cares Honours 41 Year 12 Graduates
Souths Cares proudly celebrated the achievements of 41 outstanding Year 12 students from its education and mentoring programs, marking a significant milestone in their academic and personal journeys. This year’s graduating class includes 21 students from the Liverpool Opportunity Hub and 20 students from the Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) Program—two flagship initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to reach their full potential through education, cultural connection, and personalised support.
The Liverpool Opportunity hub had Graduates from seven different schools in the area, Ashcroft High school, Cecil Hills High School, Good Samaritan Catholic College, Hoxton Park High School, James Busby High School, Liverpool Boys High school, and Miller Technology High School.
The Nanga Mai Marri (Dream big) program had graduates from nine different schools such as GOAL College, JJ Cahill Memorial High School, Marcellin College Randwick, St Andrews Cathedral School, Brigidine College, Marrickville High School, Our Lady of Sacred Hearts College Kensington, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, and Tempe High School
Jessica Curry, Liverpool Opportunity Hub Mentor“We celebrate much more than the completion of Year 12. We celebrate identity, courage, and the belief these young people have shown in themselves. Our graduates are role models in their communities, and we cannot wait to see the impact they will continue to make. I cannot express how proud I feel to see our young people achieving their goals.”
Held in an atmosphere filled with pride, culture, and community spirit, the celebration acknowledged not only the academic accomplishments of the students but also their resilience, leadership, and commitment to their futures. Families, mentors, teachers, and Souths Cares staff gathered to honour the graduates and reflect on the years of hard work that led to this moment. Each student received a gift pack and certificate to acknowledge how proud we are of them.
Students from both programs have expressed aspirations across a wide range of pathways, including university degrees in health, education and business, apprenticeships and traineeships, and full-time employment. The ongoing support provided by Souths Cares ensures that each graduate is guided into the next stage of their journey with confidence.
Brittney Simpson, Nanga Mai Marri Mentor"We are so proud of our Year 12 Nanga Mai Marri Graduates. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and find their confidence has been a true joy. These young people have shown such strength and heart, and it’s been an honour to support them on their journey. As they step into the next chapter, we send them with our warmest wishes and our full belief in the amazing futures ahead of them".
Souths Cares extends its warmest congratulations to all 41 graduates and their families. Their determination and achievements reflect the strength of their communities and the power of culturally informed support.
