Ohana Academy

Ohana Academy is safe, independent special assistance school supporting young people in Years 7-12 who have become disengaged from education and are involved in the youth justice system. With campuses located in Cairns and Logan, Queensland, we provide supportive learning environments where young people can reconnect and thrive.

Grounded in a family-centred, holistic, culturally responsive and place-based partnership model, Ohana Academy partners with students, families and communities to create meaningful pathways back into education and future opportunities.

Our approach is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: every young person is capable, valued and deserving of genuine opportunities to succeed.

Our Purpose

We exist to reconnect young people with learning, strengthen wellbeing, and create pathways to a positive future.

Our program provides:

Learning & Education

Re-engaging young people in purposeful, flexible learning.

Positive Pathways

Supporting young people to break the cycle of youth offending.

Healing & Wellbeing

Providing trauma-informed support for mental health and recovery.

Culture & Connection

Strengthening cultural identity & connection.

Work & Life Skills

Preparing students for employment, training, and independence.

Family & Community

Strengthening connections that support long-term success.

Integrated Support Services

Coordinating education, cultural, and health support systems.

Future Impact

Building a model that can support communities across Queensland.

We work closely with families, Elders, youth justice, community organisations, and health/wellbeing partners to ensure young people are supported in every part of their life journey.

Who We Support

Across our Cairns and Logan locations, Ohana Academy works with:

Young people disengaged from traditional schooling
Youth involved with the youth justice system
Young people at risk of continued trauma
Families seeking a culturally grounded, community-focused learning environment

Our goal is to provide a safe, structured, and supportive space where young people can reconnect with education, build confidence, and create positive pathways for their future.

Our Facilities

Each campus will be developed to provide a safe, culturally welcoming environment tailored to learning and wellbeing needs.

Facilities will include:

Learning hubs & flexible classrooms

Cultural practice and meeting areas

Outdoor learning and recreation zones

On-site wellbeing and clinical spaces

Kitchen, lunch area, and social spaces

Our facilities are designed with cultural safety in mind, with 3D Aboriginal artwork and cultural design elements integrated throughout each building.

Our Commitment to Community

Community consultation and co-design are central the establishment of Ohana Academy. We continue to work closely with:

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Traditional Owners and Elders

Local youth and families

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Community-controlled organisations

Non-government organisations and service providers

This collaborative approach ensures the school reflects community priorities, cultural knowledge, and local aspirations.

Our Team

Aaron Divine
CEO

Tahlia Lascik
Executive Principal

Lisa Hurst
Principal (Cairns)

Samantha Walker
Project Manager & Cultural Lead (Cairns)

Our Partnerships

Experts in delivering direct services to children, young people and families across Australia, 54 reasons will lead the integrated case management for this program.

Our academies also partner with:

Young Justice Queensland
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Leaders and community organisations
Local health, mental health and wellbeing services
Educations Queensland and training providers

These partnerships ensure young people receive holistic, connected support that reflects the strengths and cultural identities of the communities we serve.

Program

The Ohana Academy Model

Developed in deep consultations with local communities, Traditional Owners, Elders, and community partners, the Ohana Academy education and wellbeing model integrates:

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Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Driven Practice

Our staff are trained in trauma-informed education, de-escalation, restorative practices and cultural competence. Safety, trust, respect and empowerment guide every interaction.

Culturally Responsive Education

We partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, cultural mentors and community leaders to ensure local culture, identity and knowledge systems are meaningfully embedded in daily learning.

Individualised Learning Pathways

Every student receives an individual learning plan that includes:

Literacy and numeracy goals
Cultural and community connection priorities
Vocational and life-skills pathways

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Integrated Case Management

Young people and their families benefit from wraparound support including casework, therapeutic services, family engagement and transition planning - delivered in partnership with 54 reasons.

What Success Looks Like

Our outcomes extend beyond attendance or academic progress. We focus on supporting young people to reconnect with education, strengthen their wellbeing and sense of identity, build literacy and numeracy skills, reduce contact with the youth justice system, and transition successfully into training, employment or further education.

Vocational & Life Skills Development

Through partnerships with TAFE and local training providers, students can access hands-on, project-based learning and certificate-level courses in areas such as construction, hospitality and community services.

Most importantly, we aim for students to feel safe, respected, proud, and hopeful about their futures.

Supporting young people through education, wellbeing and community connection