Marist180's UHM Program Named Finalist in 2026 NSW Youth Work Awards
Marist180 is proud to be recognised as a finalist in the 2026 NSW Youth Work Awards, celebrating our commitment to supporting young people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
Our Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) Program has been named a finalist in the NSW Outstanding Work with Young People from Diverse Cultures, Backgrounds and Experiences category, following more than 160 nominations across nine award categories.
Presented by Youth Action, the NSW Youth Work Awards recognise the dedication of youth workers, programs and organisations supporting young people across NSW.
For Marist180, being named a finalist is a privilege and a meaningful acknowledgement of our UHM team, the young people we support and the many partnerships that make this work possible.
More than a place to call home
For a young person arriving in Australia without their parents or usual caregivers, finding a safe place to live is only the beginning. Many have experienced displacement, separation from family and significant changes to everything familiar. Yet each young person also brings their own strengths, cultural identity, faith, experiences and hopes for the future.
Through the Australian Government's humanitarian program, Marist180 provides 24-hour care and support, taking on day-to-day caregiving responsibilities while helping young people establish their lives in Australia.
Our approach goes beyond meeting immediate needs. It is about getting to know each young person, building trust and creating an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued.
From education and healthcare to everyday routines, friendships and cultural connections, our team works alongside young people to develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.
When a group of Rohingya young people recently arrived, our team prepared welcoming homes and prioritised staff with the language skills and cultural understanding to help them settle. Medical assessments and school enrolments were arranged promptly, with all young people commencing school within a week. Just as importantly, their cultural and religious identities were respected, including opportunities to maintain connections with their faith communities.
Building relationships and opportunities together
A distinctive part of UHM is the strength of its community partnerships. Through METWELL (Marist Exchange Two-Way Education Life Learning), young people connect with senior student volunteers from Parramatta Marist High School and Marist College Canberra.
Together, they participate in tutoring, sport, cooking, projects and cultural exchange. These shared experiences create opportunities to learn from one another, build friendships and develop mutual understanding. It is a reflection of the Marist tradition of community, where relationships are valued and young people are supported to participate, contribute and belong.
The impact of these relationships extends well beyond the program. Former UHM participants have shared stories of completing Year 12, pursuing TAFE and university studies, finding employment and developing independent lives. One young person went on to study architecture at university. These achievements belong to the young people themselves. Our privilege is to walk alongside them, providing encouragement, opportunities and support as they shape their own futures.
Celebrating our people and partners
This year, Marist180 was proud to put forward eight nominations for the NSW Youth Work Awards, recognising five individuals and three programs and partnerships.
While UHM has been selected as a finalist, each nomination reflects the dedication of our people and the many ways they create positive change for young people and families. We are particularly proud of our UHM team, whose commitment to providing consistent, compassionate and culturally responsive care brings our Marist values to life every day. Their work is strengthened by colleagues, schools, community organisations and government partners who share a commitment to helping young people feel connected, supported and empowered.
Being recognised among this year's finalists is an honour, and an opportunity to celebrate not only our own people but the important work happening throughout the youth sector. We look forward to joining Youth Action and our fellow youth sector organisations on Monday 30 November 2026, to recognise the people, programs and partnerships making a difference across NSW.
Whatever the outcome, we are proud of this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to continue our Marist mission of Creating Positive Change.
