Search Light Inc. is deeply connected to the community, working alongside education providers, government, and community organisations to remove barriers to education and improve family functioning.

We work directly with two community access schools - Carinity Education Southside in Sunnybank and Hymba Yumba Independent School in Springfield, providing practical support to students, families, and the wider school community.

Carinity Education Southside is an independent girls’ secondary school that provides a supportive learning environment for young women who haven’t been able to complete their education in mainstream settings. With small class sizes, individualised support, and youth workers who walk alongside students both in and out of the classroom, the school creates a warm, welcoming space where young women feel understood, respected, and encouraged to reach their goals.

For more than 25 years, our partnership with Carinity Education Southside has helped many young women complete their secondary education, access training and employment, and build brighter futures for themselves and their children. Through early learning, family support, and practical assistance, we work together to ensure young parents can stay engaged in their education while their children learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Jenny Medland Search Light Inc. Bursary was established in 2021 in honour of Jenny Medland, the founding member and former president of Search Light Inc. Jenny was a tireless advocate for education, firmly believing in equitable access to learning for all children and young people.

Each year, a $1,000 bursary is awarded to one senior student from Carinity Education Southside and one from Hymba Yumba Independent School. The bursary recognises students who demonstrate commitment, resilience, and a strong sense of community - qualities that reflect Jenny’s lifelong dedication to supporting young people.

The bursary supports students as they take their next steps into further education, training, or employment, helping them pursue their goals with confidence.

Jenny Medland Search Light Inc. Bursary - Student Information
Jenny Medland Search Light Inc. Bursary - Application Form

• Raising Children Network practical parenting support for every stage of your child’s journey.
• https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/support-for-teenage-parents
• https://askforhealth.org.au/young-parents/
• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) support organisation for parents experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression.
• Pregnancy, birth and the first 5 years information about pregnancy and the first 5 years of your child’s life.
• Baby Map – Early Childhood Educational Videos | STARTTS this animated video series has been developed for parents and caregivers from refugee communities and features 6 short, animated videos exploring the importance of play, joy and attachment for healthy development of 0-3 year olds. It is available in 13 community languages.