Year in Review 2024-25

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which SYC and our employees live and work. We pay our respects to their Ancestors, Ancestral Spirits, and Elders that have gone before us, those Elders still present with us today and the young Elders of the future. We extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples where we live and work.

SYC is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationship with the lands, waters and seas of their Country. We also want to thank and acknowledge our staff who continue to represent their Countries, mobs and ancestors.

SYC believes reconciliation must live in all Australians' hearts, minds and actions as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Employment Services

Creating Pathways through Employment

This year, we helped more than 7,000 people into employment. SYC’s employment initiatives empower people to achieve their career goals and build brighter futures.

We are proud to have been selected as a provider for Inclusive Employment Australia, a new national program replacing Disability Employment Services from November 2025. Designed to create a more inclusive future for people with disability, injury or health conditions, the program places each person’s goals at the centre of support.

Alongside this, our National Inclusion Manager has continued to expand our support to employers, building relationships and strengthening their capacity to recruit, support and retain diverse talent, creating inclusive workplaces and lasting opportunities.

Our Workforce Australia Services contract has been extended through to 2027, allowing us to continue supporting people across South Australia and Victoria. In Queensland, our Workforce Australia Transition to Work team has built a thriving community network, supporting young people to gain employment and engage with study pathways. Our continued success in these areas wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated staff, whose passion and commitment drive positive outcomes every day.

At the heart of this work are the people we support. Their strength, resilience and achievements inspire us and demonstrate the real impact of inclusive, person-centred services.

Apprenticeships

Building Futures Through Apprenticeships

In July 2025, we marked one year since SYC began delivering apprenticeship services as an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, and we’re proud of the difference our team has made.

Over the past 12 months, our experienced staff have supported apprentices, trainees and employers to turn opportunities into outcomes, helping people start their careers and businesses build their future workforces.

We are proud to be South Australia’s First Nations Apprenticeship Specialist Provider, creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive in apprenticeships.

Alongside this, we supported events including the TAPS Awards of Excellence, TACTIC Expo, ATEC Training Awards and Graduation, Master Builders SA Graduation, Apprentice Employment Network SA Field Officers Conference, GTE Apprenticeships and Traineeships Awards Presentation, PEER Graduation Awards Night and many more, reflecting our commitment to celebrating apprentices and strengthening industry partnerships.

Education and Training

Empowerment Through Education and Training

Through our Education and Training initiatives, SYC supports students to gain the skills and confidence for meaningful futures. In 2024–25, we supported 2,239 students, including many facing barriers to education and delivered 9,899 hours of learner support.

This year marked the first full year of operation at our Education and Training Hub in Adelaide’s North, a welcoming space offering flexible, hands-on training and personalised support. Enhanced innovation and technology have expanded access for learners in regional areas through our Virtual Training Hub, enabling students to complete accredited training remotely while still receiving direct support from our teams.

We also celebrated one year of the Skills for Education and Employment Program, which has supported more than 90 participants across Berri, Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier to develop foundational language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, preparing them for further study or employment.

Through our Success and Wellbeing Services, students re-engaged with education, built confidence and developed practical skills for future pathways. Strong partnerships across our programs, including with City of Playford, OTR, employers and community organisations, have connected learners to local employment opportunities.

The achievements of this year are best reflected in our students’ growth, confidence and success.

Justice Services

Justice Initiatives and Community Support

SYC’s justice programs support individuals to make positive choices, restore their lives and connect with the community. We deliver a range of services across South Australia focused on early intervention, diversion and skill development.

This year, we launched Elevate, a youth diversion initiative funded by the Australian Government. Operating across South Australia, Elevate supports young people with low-level involvement in the justice system to make self-directed, positive choices for their future. The program offers consistent support in a safe, inclusive environment, providing practical tools to help participants build confidence, explore options and stay connected to their goals.

SYC’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in youth justice was recognised nationally this year. The organisation contributed to sector knowledge-sharing through presentations including the National Youth Justice Forum and the Department for Correctional Services’ Shaping Correction Forum. Reflecting this leadership, our Youth Justice housing initiative, the Integrated Housing Exits Program, was nominated for the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award, which honours programs making an impact in reducing crime and violence across Australia.

Our Community Service Order program, funded by the South Australian Department of Human Services, continued to provide young people with the opportunity to meet service requirements while gaining skills for study, employment and independent living. Through initiatives such as Community Meals, participants prepared and delivered 1,198 meals, while Paint Run removed 463 square metres of graffiti. In total, the team supported 1,675 hours of community service, delivering tangible benefits to local communities and empowering young people to build a sense of responsibility, confidence and connection.

Alongside our youth justice programs, SYC’s adult justice initiatives reflect the same commitment to collaboration and community connection. SYC’s Navigator program supports adults exiting custody to reintegrate successfully into the community through strengths-based, collaborative support.

Working alongside 156 participants, Navigator helped 89% connect with community-based supports that improved mental health, wellbeing, employment prospects and housing stability. The team also presented at a Shaping Corrections Regional Working Group Forum, alongside the G4S Reintegration Manager, highlighting their integrated approach to pre- and post-release support at Mount Gambier Prison and sharing success stories that demonstrated how collaboration fosters lasting reintegration outcomes.

Out of Home Care

Holistic Support

SYC is dedicated to providing safe, supportive Out-of-Home-Care for children and young people. Our services, funded by the South Australian Department for Child Protection, encompass both residential and independent programs that are designed to meet the unique and evolving needs of young people in care.

A key strength of SYC’s approach is collaboration across services to deliver wraparound support, particularly between our Specialised Residential Care, Supported Independent Living Services, Stability Post Care, HYPA Housing and Youth Justice programs. This integrated model ensures that young people receive holistic support focused on stability, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. Drawing on this experience, SYC contributed to national conversations on child protection by presenting at the National Child Protection Forum, emphasising the importance of wellbeing, independence and holistic lifelong outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care.

This year, we were proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Weeks Homes, transforming one of our houses through a full interior and exterior makeover. Over several days, the Weeks Homes team repainted common areas, built and installed new furniture, added artwork, hung curtains, planted greenery and created a welcoming outdoor area for relaxation and connection. This project marks the third major partnership between Weeks Homes and SYC.

Our Organisation

Team SYC, Reconciliation, Social Responsibility

At SYC, our impact begins with our people. Every achievement is made possible through the commitment, care and collaboration of our staff, volunteers, students and partners. Together, we continue to build an organisation grounded in respect, inclusion and social responsibility.

Thank you

As we close the 2024–25 year, we are proud of what has been achieved and mindful of the work still to be done. Across every program and partnership, our focus remains clear, to empower people with the skills, opportunities and support they need to build the lives they choose.

We extend our sincere thanks to our partners, funders and donors, whose belief in our mission and investment in our work make this impact possible. Their support strengthens our ability to respond to community need and to create meaningful, lasting change.

Together with our staff, volunteers, partners and supporters, SYC will continue to create pathways to wellbeing, independence and opportunity for everyone.