Swinburne celebrates Indigenous Year 12 students at Inner East Koorie Celebration

Swinburne University of Technology recently hosted the inaugural Inner East Year 12 Koorie Celebration at our Hawthorn campus, recognising the achievement, resilience and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they prepare for their next chapter. 

The event brought together 13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Melbourne’s inner east, their families, educators and community members to celebrate this important milestone. 

The formalities began with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin Hunter Jr, followed by a dance performance by the Djarlo Dance group. 

Guests were invited to walk an Achievement Pathway from the Learning Circles to the Sky Lounge. The symbolic procession recognised the hard work, determination and support networks that have helped students reach the end of their secondary education.  
 
Throughout the event, speakers from Koorie Education and Swinburne reflected on the importance of education, identity, and future opportunity. The event was also a recognition of the collective effort of students, families, schools and community organisations in supporting these young people to succeed. 

Supporting Indigenous students beyond Year 12 

Swinburne's Director of Treaty, Truth Telling and Reconciliation, Adam Frogley says the event was not only a celebration of completing Year 12, but also a chance to mark the beginning of a new chapter with community.

“At Swinburne, we're proud to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they transition from school into further education and future careers,” he says.

“We know that success is built on strong connections between students, families, schools and community. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre plays an important role in helping our Indigenous student thrive and achieve their aspirations through culturally safe support, meaningful pathways and a strong sense of belonging,” Adam says.

Celebrating the Class of 2026  

For the students, this event was not only a celebration of completing Year 12, but also a chance to mark the beginning of a new chapter with community.

Stevie Lee Taylor from Heatherwood School said that the event united the community. 

"This event inspires Indigenous people to come together, and when they do, they can see what their culture is about. For example, the Djarlo Dance Group was incredible. I'd love to see events like this continue for other Indigenous people heading to year 12," she says.  

Beau Victor from Mount Waverley Secondary College said that the celebration marked an important transition in his education journey.

"This event was a spectacular celebration. This marked the end of my journey in school, as well as a new beginning in my life and looking into the future. This event was also great because it brought the community together and encourages young Koorie people to engage with community," he says.

A highlight of the evening was the certificate presentation, where students were individually recognised for reaching the significant milestone of completing Year 12. 

As graduates crossed the stage, they were cheered on by proud family members, teachers, Koorie Engagement Support Officers, community representatives and friends whose encouragement had supported them throughout their schooling years. 

The event was a powerful reminder that student success is a shared achievement, reflecting the contributions everyone working together to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reach their full potential.