Pictured above: Jay Yarnold at Taronga Zoo and AHL’s Kirinari Hostel (Sydney).
A good education is key to opening up opportunities, pathways to success and improved health and wellbeing for First Nations people.
For 6 years, Kirinari Hostel (Sydney) has provided Jay with a home away from home, so he could focus on achieving his educational dreams in a supportive, culturally appropriate environment.
Jay, who is a proud Anaiwan young man, made the brave move from Armidale NSW to Sydney in Year 7 to pursue his education at Kirinari Hostel.
Kirinari Hostel not only supports access to education, but also nurtures each student boarder’s personal development.
As Jay has just completed his Year 12 studies, it is now a perfect time to reflect on Jay’s many accomplishments and to acknowledge his bright future ahead.
Throughout his high school years, Jay has grown into the person he is today. A high-achieving student, Jay has consistently demonstrated his commitment to both academic excellence and strong leadership.
His hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as recognised by his array of awards including the Endeavour Sports High School All Rounder Award 2022, Principal’s Award of the Year 2022 and 2023 Employment Award of the Year, to name just a few. Jay is also a prefect and is proud to be the Indigenous representative at his high school.
In addition to his high school achievements, Jay is taking part in a school-based traineeship with Taronga Zoo to complete a Certificate II in Animal Care, which he was offered amongst a competitive field of applicants.
The Kirinari Hostel team play a vital role in supporting Jay with his traineeship, by providing transportation assistance and coordinating with his school and the zoo to ensure everything runs smoothly. The team encourages and motivates Jay during challenging times, to help him stay on track and succeed. This hands-on experience has strengthened Jay’s love for animals and brought him closer to his dream of becoming a zoologist.
To further help Jay achieve his goals and continue his studies beyond high school, he successfully completed 2 years of the Sydney University’s pre-study Gadigal Program.
After graduating high school, Jay was accepted into the University of Sydney to study Zoology.
Jay’s achievements are a testament to his great work ethic, as well as AHL’s commitment to ensuring students are provided with the resources and skills they need to do well at school and achieve their career aspirations.
‘The hostel provided both a chance to excel academically and an environment to develop into a young man my younger self would admire, while deepening my understanding of my culture.’ Jay said.
AHL operates 7 Secondary Education hostels across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory for First Nations students to stay at while attending high school. Each Secondary Education hostel supports its students by providing fun and educational programs, facilities and experiences, so they remain engaged in their education and feel right at home during their stay.
Heads of Boarding, Residential Youth Workers and hostel staff provide around the clock care for our student boarders. Students are supported to complete homework and other school requirements and are also provided with a laptop to support their schooling and recreational needs. We have unique facilities at each hostel which may include pools, gyms, games rooms, sporting ovals and music rooms.
Boarding fees are fully covered for students eligible for ABSTUDY Living Away from Home Allowance.
We congratulate Jay on successfully completing Year 12 and wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter of his life.
To learn more about our Secondary Education hostels, please visit our Student Boarding webpage.