Career News

Victoria Police Career Starter Pathway

Applications close on Sunday 25th October, 2026

The Career Starters Pathway is a new initiative designed to provide a dedicated pathway for Year 12 students interested in a career in policing. The program allows eligible 17 and 18 year old applicants to begin the recruitment process before reaching the current minimum application age of 18, supporting a smoother transition from school into a policing career.

Participants will have access to a range of engagement and support opportunities throughout their recruitment journey, including familiarisation activities, mentoring and guidance from Victoria Police members and regular touchpoints designed to maintain interest and engagement while progressing through the recruitment process.

Information Sessions and Resources – 2 sessions remaining

We have 1 online and 1 in person information session remaining on this pathway, to learn more about a career with Victoria Police and the recruitment process.

Career Information Sessions: Career Starters Pathway Program by Victoria Police | Eventbrite

Apply Now

Eligible applicants can submit their application via the link below:

Application Link: Police Pre Qualifying Gateway 26-27 | Victorian Police

Learn More

For further information about the Career Starters Pathway, eligibility requirements, and the recruitment process, please visit: Career Starters Pathway Website: Career Starter Pathway | Victoria Police (the apply button can also be found on this website).

Free Event for Graduating Year 12 Students

Keen to help your Year 12 student get ready for what's next?

Unserious Careers is launching two events:

Seriously Ready: A free in-person event for 2026 Year 12 students to kickstart their careers
Go Time: A free online webinar for Year 12 parents about what to do after exams

Both events are hosted by Alana Kilmartin, author and founder of Unserious Careers, who has presented to students at over 300 high schools across Australia and NZ.

SERIOUSLY READY (for 2026 Year 12 students)

Part workshop and part inspirational talk, the event offers practical tips so your Year 12 student can leave feeling less stressed and more excited about their future.

DATE: 15 January, 2027

TIME: 9am to 12pm

LOCATION: RMIT University City Campus (Melbourne)

COST: Free (but you’ll need to register as limited spots are available)

WHO IT IS FOR: 2026 Year 12 students. The content is suitable whether you’re planning to go to uni or TAFE, enter the workforce, start a trade, take a gap year or follow another awesome path.

If your career had a launch event, this would be it.

Learn more: unseriouscareers.com/seriouslyready

GO TIME (for Year 12 parents and carers)

In this free 45-minute Zoom webinar, Alana will cover:

What to pay attention to in the first 3-6 months after school
How to handle concerns about AI
What to do if your child still isn't sure what they want to do

This webinar is running on the 3rd, 8th, 18th and 23rd November.

To register for the Year 12 parent webinar: events.humanitix.com/go-time

Avalon Australian International Airshow: Careers Day - Friday 26 February, 2027

Careers Day at Avalon offers a diverse range of learning opportunities, including flying displays, static military and civilian aircraft exhibitions, aerospace and defence industry trade pavilions and interactive STEM programs. The Avalon Airshow website provides more details of the program.

A reservation has been made for 10 students from St Augustine's College to attend this event. If you will be in Year 11 or Year 12 in 2027 and would like to attend the Avalon Australian International Airshow, please contact Michelle Downie or Catherine Anderson at school.

Scholarships

Youthrive Rural Chances Vocational Scholarships

Applications close at Midnight on Monday 19th October 2026.

Valued at $5,000 cash to the young person.
This scholarship is for young people aged 16–24 years of age who are studying a Cert III or above in 2027, or completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

For further information around our Rural Chances Scholarships and to apply please visit our website - Rural Chances Vocational Scholarships - YouThrive Victoria

Gardiner Foundation 2027 Tertiary Scholarships

Applications are now open for Gardiner Foundation’s 2027 Tertiary Scholarships, supporting students from Victorian dairy communities to pursue further education.

Two scholarship streams are available:

Priority Tertiary Scholarships: up to $80,000 over four years for students relocating to study.
Regional Tertiary Scholarships: $10,000 per year for three to four years, with priority given to students studying at their nearest regional university or college.

Applicants should be committed to a career that benefits Victoria’s dairy industry or dairy communities. A range of courses is considered, with priority given to fields that meet industry and community skills needs.

Applications close at 5 pm on Monday 23rd November 2026. View eligibility and apply:https://gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-in-dairy/tertiary-scholarships/

Traineeship Opportunity

Cetificate III in Individual Support

Alumni Interview with Harry Shortis

About Your Time at St Augustine's

What years did you attend St Augustine's College?

2009-2021 – Prep to Year 12

What are your favourite memories from your time at the College?

Getting to spend time with my friends each day. After you leave school and follow your own pathways and build your career, spending lots of time together and seeing each other becomes less frequent.

Who was a teacher or staff member who made a lasting impact on you, and why?

There were many teachers over the years: Keith Naylor, Gayle Angelino, Kirsty McIntosh, Amanda Clohosey, Tamara Brereton, Sharon Darling, Michelle Downie and Jackie Stockdale.

Each made a lasting impact on me in their own way, and I remain very grateful for the part they played in my education.

What is one lesson you learned at St Augustine's that has stayed with you?

Hard work pays off and you can get a lot out of challenging experiences and situations and from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Life After School

What pathway did you take after leaving St Augustine's?

After Year 12, I completed an Education Support Traineeship at St Pat’s in Tongala. It was a great experience, a great school with great staff. In 2023, I commenced at La Trobe University (Bundoora), studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications, majoring in Journalism. I lived on residence for two years and highly recommend this experience to any student moving from the country to study in the city. ‘Rez’ was full of students from the country, and I made lots of great friends during my time there.

What are you doing now, and what do you enjoy most about your career or studies?

I am now employed at Greater Shepparton City Council and work as a Media Communications Officer. My role involves speech writing, writing media releases and coordinating all media enquiries and interviews, along with providing advice to Councillors and members of the Executive.

Working in public and community services provides an opportunity to deliver positive outcomes for communities. At Council, I have supported the delivery of major infrastructure projects and essential services that people rely on every day.

More recently, I have been given the opportunity to support a local candidate in the upcoming state election. I’m really excited about this opportunity and look forward to the busy days ahead and the work I’ll be doing.

Did you always know this was the career you wanted, or has your journey changed along the way?

When I first started my degree, the plan was to go into ‘broadcast journalism’, as I wanted to share people’s stories and help them have a voice, action change and get support for challenging or difficult circumstances they may be facing. While studying, I discovered the many different opportunities and pathways available within Media and Journalism. I realised that rather than reporting on people’s stories and the challenges they face, I could lead to a career in public service, where I could help address issues and improve people’s lives, leading to better outcomes.

What has been your proudest achievement since starting work/studying/graduating?

I am grateful for the experiences I have been afforded in my work, so far. An example of this is when the state was impacted by the bushfires at the start of 2026. After having only been in my role for three months, I was tasked with leading the communications for Strathbogie Shire Council. Understandably, this was a stressful time for the community. I was grateful for the opportunity to provide support for the community and surrounding district any way I could.

Reflection and Advice

How did your education at St Augustine's prepare you for life beyond school?

Education is always important and the foundation for everything. I was grateful for the supportive teachers who encouraged me to work hard and who exampled the value of being a good person. Equally as important is life experience and seeking out different opportunities and trying new things.

What skills, developed at school, do you use most in your career today?

Active listening and understanding, compassion and empathy. In my role, I am engaging with lots of different people from different backgrounds and it is important to understand their points of view.

Leadership. During school I was able to develop my leadership skills, which has been a big asset throughout my career so far. Being elected as College Captain in 2021 was an honour and a privilege.

What advice would you give current students who are considering their future career or study options?

Keep an open mind. Even after you begin your studies or start your career, things can change, and that’s okay. The people you meet and the experiences you have will help you discover the many different opportunities out there waiting for you.

If you could give your Year 12-self one piece of advice, what would it be?

There is no rush, take your time and enjoy the ride.

Looking Ahead

What are your goals for the future?

My biggest professional goal is to always make sure I am enjoying my work. There’s always going to be days harder than others, but I believe if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, try something new.

Quick Fire Questions

· Favourite subject at school? - Maths and Food Studies

· Best school excursion or camp? - Top End

· Favourite lunchtime snack? - Chicken salad wrap

· One word to describe your time at St Augustine's - Meaningful

· Coffee or tea? - Coffee

· Morning person or night owl? - Morning

· Dream travel destination? - America – I’m travelling there at the end of the year with my younger brother, Oskar.

· Favourite book, podcast or movie? The Blind Side, The Alchemist,

Final Thoughts

What does being a St Augustine's College alumnus/alumna mean to you?

It’s special to have been part of a school community where generations of my family have studied and worked. My Nana, Joy, worked at the College for over 25 years, and Poppa drove school buses for many years. My great-uncle Frank was a priest who said Mass at St Augustine’s, and great-uncle served as Principal.

Many other family members have also attended the school or worked on staff over the years.