Celebrating Iona College First Nations Year 12 QATSIF Graduates

Iona College is incredibly proud of three outstanding Year 12 Banji Brothers – Nate Hughes, Tyler Pereira, and Riley Muir – who, on Tuesday 12 August 2025, attended the QATSIF Graduation Ceremony at Griffith University.

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) was established to provide scholarships and support to First Nations secondary school students, helping them complete their senior studies and embrace opportunities for further education, training, and employment. QATSIF also encourages cultural pride, leadership, and connection to community, values that deeply resonate with the Banji Brothers program here at Iona College.

This special graduation event brought together First Nations Year 12 students from across Queensland to celebrate their achievements and journeys. Nate, Riley, and Tyler proudly represented Iona College with dignity, respect, and pride. They expressed gratitude to the Elders who paved the way for the “Next Generation,” acknowledging the hardships and challenges that were overcome so future generations could stand tall today. Their genuine appreciation for the significance of the occasion was evident.

QATSIF empowers young First Nations people to step into the next stage of their lives with confidence, pride, and opportunity.

It was a privilege for Father Joe Antony OMI, Elder Uncle Earl Morgan, and Aunty Tamekin Pearce, as representatives of Iona College, to walk alongside these young men during such an important milestone. The values of respect, and unity that we strive to foster in our Banji Brotherhood were present.

Nate, Riley, and Tyler have contributed in laying a strong foundation of trust, guidance, and cultural pride for emerging the Banji Brothers who will follow in their footsteps.

Ms Tamekin Pearce
Cultural and Engagement Support Officer