John Henry Institute (JHI) marked the achievements of its 2025 graduates at a ceremony held on Thursday, 20 November, at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Hall in Port Macquarie. Students completed nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Graduates received AQF Certificate III and IV qualifications, including:

· Certificate III in Educational School Based Support

· Certificate III in Individual Support

· Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeships)

· Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

In her opening address, Natasha Murphy, JHI Manager, praised graduates for their courage and commitment, acknowledging the challenges adult learners face. She also commended staff for their efforts in renewing JHI’s accreditation as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO No 7054) with the Australian Skills Quality Authority.

Speaking to the graduates, Natasha said, “You have worked hard and accomplished so much since starting your study with the John Henry Institute – as adult learners we know the journey is different for everyone and it is not always easy – we are privileged to make a difference in your lives.”

“I also want to acknowledge the incredible effort of the JHI staff during our accreditation process, as it involved realigning our systems and processes to meet new standards which were introduced in July this year,” Natasha said.

Keynote speaker Anne O’Brien, Deputy CEO of Mission, People and Culture for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and integrity, inspired by St John Henry Newman, after whom JHI is named.

“As graduates of the John Henry Institute, you stand in a tradition shaped by one of the great minds and hearts of history, St John Henry Newman. For him, true learning formed character, shaped conscience, and prepared a person to make a meaningful contribution to the world,” Anne said.

“As you step forward into your professional and personal futures, his example invites you to action with honesty. Think deeply, and to choose good, even when it might be difficult to do.”

Certificate III in Individual Support trainer and assessor, Lynda Currey, highlighted the graduates’ resilience and dedication to caring for others, while thanking St Agnes’ Catholic Parish and other local organisations for supporting student work placements.

Addressing the graduates, Lynda said, “What you have attained today, the Certificate III in Individual Support, is not just a qualification. It’s a promise. It’s a promise to care for others when they are at their most vulnerable,” Lynda said.

Graduate speaker Mylene Seno shared her inspiring journey from the Philippines to achieving her dream of working in aged care, expressing gratitude to JHI and St Agnes for opening doors to new opportunities.

“When I was young, people would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up? Without hesitation, I always said I wanted to be a nurse… but life had other plans. My family couldn’t afford the tuition, so instead, I had to work help support them,” Mylene said.

Mylene spent five years caring for an elderly man whose children lived overseas. She also cared for her father who was paralysed and had dementia. She worked overseas as a nanny and full-time housekeeper, sending money home to support her family.

“All this experience taught me compassion, patience, and the real care is not just a job, it is love. It is the most human thing we can offer another person. That’s why I pursue aged care.”

“Completing my Certificate III was not simply finishing a course. It was finally making my childhood dream come true. A dream I once thought I could never achieve,” concluded Mylene.

The celebration concluded with afternoon tea for graduates, families, and staff.

To learn more about JHI’s vocational training programs, visit www.johnhenryinstitute.edu.au, call (02) 6583 2321, or email info@jhi.edu.au.