For nineteen years, the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) has worked with children from Cape York to improve education outcomes. Now, in 2024, we celebrate seventeen Cape York Leaders reaching an important milestone: completing their Queensland Certificate of Education and graduating from Queensland’s highest-performing secondary schools. This accomplishment results from six years of comprehensive support from partner schools, families, and the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP).
Remoteness and regional living limit education opportunities in Cape York, so for nearly two decades, CYLP has worked tirelessly with local communities, their schools, families, and students to provide young First Nations children with an opportunity to attend the best boarding schools across Queensland.
The program provides financial support and assists students to relocate each school term. Over the years, the program has implemented additional study opportunities ensuring students are provided tailored tutoring sessions. The team works with mental health and wellbeing concerns, identifying resources and linking students with appropriate support networks. While the core focus of the program is to improve education outcomes, this task does not take place in a silo, and the CYLP team provides an interface point between communities and Queensland’s education system.
Surrounded by their peers and families, the graduates celebrated at the Cairns Colonial Club, for the annual Graduation Dinner.
Each graduate shared their achievements from school and how the Leaders Program 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, UniSC, and Queensland University of Technology (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.
By offering more than financial support, Cape York Leaders Program empowers students to overcome challenges, adapt to new environments, build resilience, strive towards excellence and embrace opportunities when they arise.
The 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 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 the Student Support Officers (SSOs) deliver to each student in the program. Acting as a bridge between students, their schools and their families, the SSOs 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. We stand with you as you make these choices and will stand by you as you stride into the world,” Rhys said. “Every day, there is something that reminds me that this organisation and this team are much more than a scholarship provider.
“The dedication and drive our staff have for First Nation’s excellence is second to none.”
The dedication and drive our staff have for First Nation’s excellence is second to none.
CYLP Manager Rhys Hollo-Russell
The recent graduation ceremony featured heartfelt speeches, student reflections, and certificate presentations, signifying students’ academic accomplishments and personal growth.
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 pulled the curtain back on what life was like for the graduates’ families, speaking about how the students’ boarding did not affect them but often the entire family. She then recalled fond memories of being in the living room and rousing her nephew when he misbehaved, being there to send him off to school and how she would be among the first to welcome him home.
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.
The graduating students, many of whom joined the program in Year 7, represent the culmination of six years of commitment, late-night study sessions and the courage to pursue a path not every Cape York child is offered.
In his speech, CYLP graduate Jonathan Nona drew attention to the scholarship’s support.
“This scholarship is not just financial support but an excellent recognition of the hard work and dedication that has led me to this point,” 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
All graduates spoke proudly about CYLP’s impact on their education and development as leaders.
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 and as long as I know that my family and my community are proud of me, I am grateful to have been given an opportunity to experience a life outside of my community.”
“Your journey has just begun,” Rhys concluded. “Through your resilience and determination, you have shown that education is a cornerstone for empowerment and transformation. We look forward to seeing the extraordinary contributions you will make as leaders in your communities."
“To the Class of 2024 thank you for your efforts, and remember, when you leave here tonight you are a Cape York Leader, when you wake up tomorrow, you are a Cape York leader and when you return to your communities you will still be a Cape York Leader.”
The Cape York Leaders Program will continue to support its graduates as they take their next steps, reaffirming its commitment to closing the gap and building a brighter future for Cape York and beyond.
To learn more about the individual graduates and hear their stories head here.
