Menu
On a memorable evening in the heart of the city at Rydges Melbourne, two of our students, Lilli and Angus, joined approximately 150 students, parents, and school staff from Catholic colleges across Victoria to celebrate a remarkable milestone. The annual Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduation Recognition Dinner, hosted by the VCEA, brought together families, principals, dignitaries, including Professor Mark Rose, and Catholic education leaders to honour the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students completing Year 12 in Victorian Catholic schools.
The dinner was not only a chance to celebrate academic achievement, but also an opportunity for students to share their stories and acknowledge the many people who have supported them on their educational journey. Among the evening’s highlights was the keynote address by Lachlan Hill, a recent graduate who attended the ceremony himself just a few years ago. Lachlan’s story resonated deeply with the students, especially as he shared his experience playing an Aboriginal instrument at the MCG Dreamtime game, a moment of cultural pride and inspiration.
It was particularly moving to witness the passion and diverse interests of graduating students through the statements they shared. The sense of community, support, and pride was palpable in every conversation and speech.
This year’s celebration also marked significant progress, with the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students completing Year 12 in Victorian Catholic schools increasing by 63 per cent since 2019, from 108 students in 2019 to 176 in 2026. This remarkable growth outpaces the increase in overall Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments in Catholic schools over the same period, reflecting Catholic education's ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and communities.
The annual dinner remains the only celebration of its kind in Victoria, offering a unique space to recognise these young people's hard work, resilience, and achievements. Congratulations to all our graduating students on this significant milestone, and a heartfelt thank you to the families, educators, and communities who have walked alongside them on their journey.
Together, we celebrate not only academic success, but also the strength, culture, and future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.
