Ganbina: Australia’s Most Successful School-to-Work Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

 
 
 

This article explores Ganbina's approach, its impact on communities, and its role in shaping a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Introduction

In Australia, the journey from school to work can be fraught with challenges, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Socioeconomic barriers, cultural disconnection, and historical disadvantages often hinder their opportunities for meaningful employment and career development. In this context, Ganbina has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment, offering a successful school-to-work program that transforms the lives of Indigenous youth.

Background

Established in 1997, Ganbina is a community-based organisation located in Victoria to improve educational and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people through culturally relevant programs that empower individuals and engage communities.

The Jobs4U2 Program, the centrepiece of Ganbina’s initiatives, focuses specifically on facilitating the transition from school to work. By addressing the unique needs of young people aged 5 to 25, Ganbina seeks to reduce long-term unemployment and welfare dependency while promoting self-determination and resilience.

Success Stories

The impact of the Jobs4U2 Program can be seen in the numerous success stories of participants who have transformed their lives through Ganbina’s support.

Case Study: Chole’s Journey

Chloe is 23 years old and has been supported by Ganbina since she was six years old. Chloe participated in the Ganbina Youth Leadership Program while at school, giving her a huge confidence boost. She graduated from Mooroopna Secondary College and works as a gallery assistant at D’Lan Contemporary Art Gallery and is studying a Bachelor of Art (History and Curation) at Monash University.  

Case Study: Jagamahra’s Transformation

Jagamahra ‘Jag’ Weston is 15 years old and has been a Ganbina participant since 2019.

So far Ganbina has helped him with his reading and maths skills through Ganbina’s Accelerated Learning Program. His Ganbina project officer regularly comes to his school to make sure he is on top of his schoolwork and gives him extra help if needed. In the future, Jag would like to be a chef or a mechanic.

Community Impact

Since our program was established in 2004, hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are excelling at school, graduating with flying colours from training institutions or universities, and embarking on successful careers.

The enduring impact: Ganbina Social Return on Investment evaluation (2020) highlighted the uniqueness of Ganbina’s Agents of Change approach by: 

  • Increasing school engagement, attendance and completion

  • Commencing further education and training

  • Gaining employment

  • Increasing cultural knowledge and pride

Strengthening Community Ties

The Jobs4U2 Program encourages active participation from families and community members. By involving parents and guardians, Ganbina helps to create a supportive environment that reinforces the value of education and employment. This collaborative approach strengthens community ties and fosters a shared commitment to the success of young people.

Challenges and Future Directions

While Ganbina has achieved remarkable success, challenges remain. The historical and systemic issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities require ongoing attention and action. Additionally, the demand for the Jobs4U2 Program continues to grow, necessitating increased resources and funding to expand its reach.

To address these challenges, Ganbina is exploring partnerships with educational institutions, Philanthropic donors, and corporate sponsors to secure additional support. By leveraging these partnerships, the program aims to enhance its offerings and reach even more young people in need.

Conclusion

Ganbina’s Jobs4U2 Program stands as a testament to the power of culturally relevant, community-driven approaches in education and employment. By empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, the program not only transforms individual lives but also fosters hope and resilience within communities. As Ganbina continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of young people, it remains dedicated to creating pathways to success, ensuring that future generations have the tools and support they need to thrive.

Ganbina are the Knowledge Centre Spotlight Sponsor at the National Education Summit Brisbane. Meet them on 31 July - 1 August 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Ganbina CEO, Anthony Cavanagh, will be speaking on Ganbina: Australia’s Most Successful School-to-Work Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Find out more and register for this session here.

 
 
Darshana Amarsi