For 19 years, Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) has worked with children from Cape York to improve education outcomes. In 2024, we celebrated 17 young Cape York Leaders reaching an important milestone: completing their Queensland Certificate of Education and graduating from Queensland’s highest-performing secondary schools. This accomplishment is a result of up to six years of comprehensive support from partner schools, families and CYLP.
Surrounded by their peers and families, the graduates celebrated at the Cairns Colonial Club at the annual Graduation Dinner. Each graduate talked about their achievements from school and how CYLP complemented their learning and opened a world of opportunity. A recurring theme from the graduates was highlighting the power of education and how CYLP creates better outcomes for Cape York communities.
This year’s cohort includes students accepted into prestigious universities such as Bond, Southern Cross and QUT. These students are focused on business degrees, social work, nursing and education pathways. Additionally, CYLP is proud of the students preparing to embark on apprenticeships and careers in their home communities, beginning their education as electricians, boilermakers and auto-mechanics.
CYLP Manager Rhys Hollo-Russell gave a speech at the graduation congratulating all students. He reiterated the importance of resilience saying, “It is this choice – choosing change over fear – that each student sitting here tonight has made,” he said. “They made that choice every term, every year, every time they packed their belongings and travelled across Queensland for their education.”
Rhys spoke about the CYLP team and the comprehensive support delivered to each student in the program. Acting as a bridge between students, their schools and their families, the staff provide tailored guidance and ensure students feel supported throughout their educational journey.
"The CYLP team offers our graduates our full support, 100%, no questions asked,” Rhys said. “Every day, there is something that reminds me that this organisation and this team are much more than a scholarship provider."
Families, parents and carers were in attendance and also spoke about their involvement in CYLP and how the work doesn’t end when the school term does.
Leona Yunkaporta from Aurukun talked about what life was like for the graduates’ families, speaking about how the students’ boarding did not only affect them but often the entire family. She then recalled fond memories of being there to send him off to school and how she would be among the first to welcome him home.
In his speech, CYLP graduate Jonathan Nona drew attention to the scholarship’s support.
“This scholarship is not just financial support but the support that pushed me to work harder and achieve things I wasn't sure I could do,” he said.
Receiving this scholarship is more than just an achievement; it is a responsibility; it motivates me to work harder, push further and give back.
2024 CYLP Graduate Jonathan Nona
St Peters Lutheran College graduate Tykeerah Cobus said her time at the school was a “remarkable journey” and referred to her school community as her “second family.”
“I am honoured to have been the head boarding girl this year and my name will forever hold a place on the leaderboard,” she said.
“I have made a mark that will hopefully be seen and followed by future generations. I am grateful to have been given an opportunity to experience a life outside of my community.”
The evening also recognised the ongoing success of CYLP’s tertiary students, including those nearing the completion of their university degrees. Such achievements highlight the pathways CYLP creates for graduates to continue excelling and contributing to their communities.
To learn more about the individual graduates and hear their stories head here.
