Home – Bandu

About Bandu

Bandu is a registered charity and social enterprise operating for the purpose of improving outcomes for First Nations students as they transition into life after high school.

Working with our tertiary education and corporate sector partners, Bandu connects student participants with the right people at the right places to ensure successful work and study placements, whilst supporting accommodation, culture, and recreation, in these crucial years.

Our programs build community and capacity with the student at the centre.

Bandu Support & Services

At Bandu, our point of difference is our comprehensive and genuine care. We walk with our participants and partners on their journey, we don’t just point them in a direction and send them on their way. Our services are built on a foundation of ongoing commitment and cultural safety.

For Student Participants

Build genuine relationships with Bandu staff who support you through your post-school journey
Receive comprehensive support with important documentation and application completion
Become part of a supportive community who are with you as you move through life after school

For Schools

Complete Post-school transition support to ease the workload of school staff
Regular updates on student profiles and progress through the 5 Phase PSP
Increased confidence of Bandu participant students completing final two years of secondary school

For Corporate Partners

First Nations graduates with high aspirations and layered support
Ongoing Cultural Safety Training & Education
Exclusive Immersion Opportunities for staff

Our Partners & Supporters

We are privileged to partner with organisations that share the same goals and objectives as Bandu: to ensure our young First Nations men and women fly into life after high school.

Bandu Advocate Statements

Jacob Goodwin is a proud Wiradjuri Man and advocate of the Bandu Post-School support program. Prior to finishing his High School Certificate in 2016, Jacob’s post-school transition program introduced him to tertiary education and employment opportunities that supported and guided him through the ensuing six years. Whilst Jacob’s impressive ATAR score ensured he was accepted into Law and Commerce degrees at the University of Sydney, Jacob maintains the cornerstone of his success in the years after graduating high school is attributed to the support he received in the cadetship he was granted at McCabes Lawyers in Sydney. Through the support of his post-school program, Jacob met Terry McCabe and never looked back, still working with Terry today and remaining an outstanding role model to his younger peers.

Jacob Goodwin

Triston Reilly is a proud Dunghutti Man from South West Rocks. An undeniable talent, Triston had the footballing world at his feet upon the completion of high school. Fielding offers from different rugby codes and teams whilst completing his HSC, Triston fully appreciated the support provided as he weighed up the options available to him. With great consideration and maturity, Triston accepted a scholarship to UNSW where he commenced his teaching degree, found a base in the College accommodation, before signing a contract with the Australian Rugby 7s team. Triston has gone on to play for the NSW Waratahs and recently signed with the West Tigers in the NRL - all the while continuing his teaching degree.

Triston Reilly

Lincoln Blackhall is a proud Wiradjuri Man from Wellington, NSW. Lincoln is a fully qualified electrician who completed his apprenticeship with SpaceAge Electrics, a company he connected with in high school, signing with them as part of his post-school transition program. Due to his successful employment, Lincoln was able to support himself in an apartment in Sydney. During his apprenticeship, Lincoln played rugby, mentored younger Indigenous students at his high school, and established himself as a leader amongst his peers, fully embodying the key outcomes and goals of the Bandu program.

Lincoln Blackhall

Aidan is a proud Wiradjuri Man from Dubbo, NSW. After receiving a leadership scholarship and excelling in all areas of life at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, Aidan truly embodied the Bandu objective of flying into life after school. He attended a GAP Year at Westminster College, London, before returning to complete his business degree. Throughout his time at university, Aidan was named an RA of Dunmore Lang College, was awarded an internship at Morgans Stockbroking & Wealth Management, and returned to work as an academic and cultural tutor at St Joseph's College. It was here he continued to provide excellent role-modelling to the students as well as a living example of the true value and impact of the support that Bandu provides. The value Aidan placed in such support, led to him becoming a Co-Founder and Director at Bandu Organisation.

Aidan Porter