Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, with 8 of its Secondary Education hostel residents graduating from Year 12.
These outstanding students, all from New South Wales, represent Kirinari Newcastle (2 graduates), Grey Street Dubbo (3 graduates), and Kirinari Sydney (3 graduates) hostels.
This achievement is particularly significant given the unique challenges these students have faced.
Many have lived away from their families and homes throughout every school term, often coming from small or remote towns. Their success is a testament to their resilience and the supportive environment provided by AHL’s dedicated hostel staff, including Heads and Deputies of Boarding and a team of residential youth workers.
Beau from Kirinari Hostel in Newcastle, and one of our 2025 Year 12 graduates, spoke fondly of his AHL experience, ‘I truly appreciate my time boarding with AHL. I have created so many special memories, and completing Year 12 is a huge achievement that I will cherish forever. The staff and students I’ve had the privilege of working with, and meeting, have become lifelong friends.
‘I want to thank Aunt Lee and Uncle Jade for always guiding me to the best version of myself – they absolutely go above and beyond. Thanks also to my parents for their constant support while I was boarding away from home.
‘Our Kirinari motto – ‘come in as strangers, leave as brothers’ – is a saying that will stay with me forever. The brotherhood we share is truly unmatched.
‘As I move into an apprenticeship in carpentry, I look forward to the next challenge. I also encourage all young Indigenous kids to consider boarding with AHL – it truly changed my life and I will be forever grateful,’ Beau said.
AHL’s Secondary Education hostels offer more than just a place to stay. Students benefit from a holistic approach to educational achievement, with access to extra-curricular activities, support programs, and nutritious, dietitian-designed meals.
Each hostel boasts unique amenities such as pools, gyms, games rooms, sporting ovals, and music rooms, ensuring students have opportunities to thrive both academically and personally.
Grey Street Hostel Dubbo student resident and another one of our 2025 Year 12 graduates, Tatiarna, reflected recently about her time there. She said, ‘I am incredibly grateful to Kristy and her team.
‘They played a vital role in helping me complete my educational journey. They are truly exceptional, and I admire how they manage such a challenging job, guiding these kids with dedication and skill,’ said Tatiarna, who bravely left her small hometown of Walgett in New South Wales behind 6 years ago, to board at Grey Street.
Grey Street Hostel’s Head of Boarding Kristy Hill said, ‘Tatiarna’s message truly reminds us that despite all the challenges we encounter, this job is incredibly rewarding.’
The AHL family extends heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 graduates. Wishing you all the best as you start your next exciting chapters.
Our remaining 6 Year 12 graduates for 2025 have reflected on their AHL journeys and their hopes for the future in a short video below.
For more information about our Secondary Education offering, head to our Student boarding webpage.
