Aboriginal students across Greater Sydney will benefit from expanded education and career support following the launch of the new Sydney Metropolitan OCHRE Opportunity Hub.

Officially launched at the KARI Foundation office in Liverpool by NSW Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda, representing the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, the new Hub brings together the former Campbelltown and Liverpool Opportunity Hubs into a single, coordinated service while extending support into the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas.

The NSW Government has appointed the KARI Foundation, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, to deliver the new Sydney Metropolitan Opportunity Hub. Since 2023, KARI Foundation has provided OCHRE Opportunity Hub services across Greater Western Sydney, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in more than 20 primary and secondary schools.

Ms Kaliyanda said the expanded Hub would help more Aboriginal students build the skills, confidence and connections needed to achieve their ambitions.

"The Sydney Metropolitan Opportunity Hub will give more Aboriginal young people across Greater Sydney access to the tools, mentoring and support they need to pursue their education and career aspirations," Ms Kaliyanda said.

"As technology and the economy continue to change the way we work, it is more important than ever that young people have trusted mentors, strong role models and access to meaningful opportunities that help them navigate their future with confidence."

The expanded model is expected to double the number of participating schools and students; strengthen regional coordination; improve service consistency and increase access to culturally responsive education and career pathway support for Aboriginal young people.

The Opportunity Hub supports Aboriginal students from Years 5 to 12, as well as for up to 12 months after they leave school.

Through culturally responsive mentoring, education support, career guidance and connections with industry, further education and training providers, the program helps young people successfully transition into employment and further study.

NSW Department of Education Director Equity Programs, Chesca Zacchini, said the expanded service reflected the importance of strong partnerships in supporting Aboriginal students throughout their education journey.

"The Sydney Metropolitan Opportunity Hub demonstrates the power of partnerships between Aboriginal communities, schools, TAFE NSW, industry and government to improve educational outcomes and create meaningful pathways into training and employment,” Ms Zacchini said.

"By expanding the Hub's reach and strengthening coordination across Greater Sydney, we're ensuring more Aboriginal students can access culturally responsive support that helps them thrive at school and successfully transition into further education, training and rewarding careers."

KARI Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Casey Ralph, said the organisation was proud to build on its existing work with Aboriginal students across Greater Western Sydney.

"The Sydney Metropolitan OCHRE Opportunity Hub is about ensuring First Nations students feel connected, supported and proud of who they are while they explore pathways through school and beyond," Ms Ralph said.

"Strong partnerships with schools, local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups, employers and communities are central to the program's success. Together we can create opportunities that lead to positive educational and employment outcomes for young people."

Ms Ralph said the expansion would allow the Foundation to reach more students while continuing to strengthen cultural identity, mentoring and community connections.

Sydney Metropolitan Opportunity Hub Program Manager, Josh Marlowe, said the program gave students practical opportunities to explore future careers while building confidence in themselves.

"KARI works with schools and corporate partners to connect young people with apprenticeships, traineeships, work placements, industry visits and other experiences that help turn aspirations into achievable career pathways," Mr Marlowe said.

"We're supporting our young people to become the best versions of themselves. When young people are strong in their identity, they back themselves, build confidence and see opportunities they may never have imagined possible."

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said the Hub is about opening doors for Aboriginal young people and giving them the skills, confidence and support to pursue their goals.

“When Aboriginal communities, schools, TAFE NSW and employers work together, young people are better connected to the opportunities that lead to rewarding careers,” he said.

“Whether it's university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, a traineeship or a job, we want every Aboriginal student to have a clear pathway and the support they need to succeed.”

Established in 2014 as part of the NSW Government's Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility and Empowerment (OCHRE) plan, Opportunity Hubs work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, schools, TAFE NSW, industry and government to build aspirations, strengthen cultural connections and improve education and employment outcomes.

Since its inception, the OCHRE Opportunity Hub program has supported thousands of Aboriginal students across NSW, contributing to improved attendance, stronger engagement with learning, enhanced academic outcomes and increased participation in career development opportunities.