Hundreds of Western Sydney students from Years 9 to 12 and some who recently graduated, joined teachers, parents, carers, and educators at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta for the Beyond School, What's Next? Careers Expo hosted by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD).
The event attracted more than 25 organisations such as civil construction company Gamuda, TAFE NSW, Ambrose Early Learning School Aged Care, Mining Australia, multiple universities, Universities Admission Centre (UAC), the Australian Defence Force along with careers advisors, Registered Training Organisations, employment services, and CSPD's Teacher Scholarship team to name a few.
Whether transitioning into full-time employment, seeking further education, or sourcing a traineeship or apprenticeship, students had meaningful conversations with experts in their field to help point them in the right direction.
“That's one of the great things about being here is being able to give back to the community, meeting new friends, and making a difference to young people,” said a representative from Western Sydney University’s Student Engagement team.
“It's a great opportunity if you’re not sure what you want to do in the future. There are so many organisations here with programs and apprenticeships that you can come and apply to.”
There was something for every student, helping them explore career and study pathways they might like to consider after school.
Executive Director of Schools Jack de Groot and Director Communications & Engagement Elizabeth Scully chatted with students, parents, and exhibitors as they toured the stalls.
“It's a great opportunity for students to have conversations with employers, trade schools, universities, and lots of other training institutions that could help them with their future,” said Jack.
“It's been a great morning meeting people from all sorts of places that help students explore their passions and interests and they can also get employment as they work through a training program. You can even work for Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese as a trainee teacher while completing further studies. There are many great opportunities to explore what you want to do after school.”
CSPD’s Jarara Cultural Centre was also in attendance, presenting different opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
View Photos from this event View full gallery
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
From leading Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown as School Captains to leading the way in dementia research, Elie Matar (Class of 2004) and Michael Inskip (Class of 2010) continue to make an extraordinary impact. When Dr Elie Matar and Dr Michael Inskip presented at the International Dementia Conference 2026, it marked a proud moment for the Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown community. The International Dementia Conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to share the latest advances in dementia research, diagnosis, treatment and care. This year’s conference provided an opportunity for two Patties Old Boys, whose careers have taken different yet complementary paths, to contribute to conversations shaping the future of dementia care. Dr Matar, a Consultant Neurologist and Sleep Physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney, presented his internationally recognised research on Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. His work focuses on improving early diagnosis, advancing biomarkers and preparing patients for future disease-modifying therapies. Dr Inskip, an exercise physiologist, senior lecturer and clinical educator at James Cook University, shared his research exploring the role of exercise in supporting people living with dementia. His work includes leading the first exercise trial in Lewy body dementia and helping combat frailty and strengthen the role of exercise physiology within aged care. Although they graduated six years apart, the conference brought their work together through a shared goal of improving outcomes for people living with dementia. Congratulations to Elie and Michael on their outstanding contributions to research, education and patient care. We are proud to see two Patties Old Boys making a meaningful impact both nationally and internationally.
Latest News More news
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
From leading Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown as School Captains to leading the way in dementia research, Elie Matar (Class of 2004) and Michael Inskip (Class of 2010) continue to make an extraordinary impact. When Dr Elie Matar and Dr Michael Inskip presented at the International Dementia Conference 2026, it marked a proud moment for the Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown community. The International Dementia Conference brings together leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to share the latest advances in dementia research, diagnosis, treatment and care. This year’s conference provided an opportunity for two Patties Old Boys, whose careers have taken different yet complementary paths, to contribute to conversations shaping the future of dementia care. Dr Matar, a Consultant Neurologist and Sleep Physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and a Horizon Fellow at the University of Sydney, presented his internationally recognised research on Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. His work focuses on improving early diagnosis, advancing biomarkers and preparing patients for future disease-modifying therapies. Dr Inskip, an exercise physiologist, senior lecturer and clinical educator at James Cook University, shared his research exploring the role of exercise in supporting people living with dementia. His work includes leading the first exercise trial in Lewy body dementia and helping combat frailty and strengthen the role of exercise physiology within aged care. Although they graduated six years apart, the conference brought their work together through a shared goal of improving outcomes for people living with dementia. Congratulations to Elie and Michael on their outstanding contributions to research, education and patient care. We are proud to see two Patties Old Boys making a meaningful impact both nationally and internationally.
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
It is with great excitement that we acknowledge former Patties student, Tim Hodge, as the King’s Baton Bearer for the Australian team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A graduate of our College in 2018, Tim’s many achievements include - Commonwealth Games silver medals in 2018 while he was studying for his HSC, representing Australia as at three Paralympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024) including two gold medals and a silver at the Paris Games, and a world record for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley (SM9), a record he has shattered and subsequently shaved down multiple times, including at the 2024 selection trials. Despite his physical challenges, he has established himself as a dominant global force in para-swimming and his humility and exceptional work ethic continue to be an inspiration to younger students at our school.
20 Jul 2026
From Facebook
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
15 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to Xavier Zahra, who placed first in the Under 15 NSWCCC Cross Country. We wish Xavier the best of luck as he prepares to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools State Cross Country Championships in early August. He is running with the goal of qualifying for the NSW All Schools team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships later this year. We also want to give a special shout out to Bernie Irvine who placed 17th in the Under 14 event and Harvey Irvine who placed 13th in the Under 13 event. They ran with determination and pride - well done to all our athletes.
13 Jul 2026
From Facebook
An incredible achievement for Charlie Xuereb, Steven Nunn, Cordell Murdock-Arama, and Cornelius Pupualii, who have been selected in the 2026 Australian Schoolboys Rugby League Team. With four Patties students earning Australian honours this year, it also marks the fourth consecutive year that Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown has had three or more players selected in the Australian Schoolboys team. The squad will assemble in October to take on the Papua New Guinea Junior Kumuls, and we can’t wait to see our boys pull on the green and gold and represent Australia on the international stage. Congratulations, boys! Your hard work has earned you this opportunity, and the entire Patties community will be cheering you on every step of the way.
11 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to former Patties student, Jared Haywood (Class of 2024), on making his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers! Jared now becomes the 97th student from Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown to play in the NRL. Jared truly embodies what it means to be a Patrician Brothers’ boy. Always smiling, he approaches life with a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute. He recently returned to the College to support our Primary Schools Gala Day, continuing to give back to the Patties community. During his time at the College, Jared was a valued member of the Schoolboy Cup teams in both 2023 and 2024, proudly co-captaining the side to a State Final victory in 2024. In his final year at Patties, Jared was named Sportsman of the Year and represented the College in Athletics, Touch Football and Cross Country. He also earned selection in the CCC Rugby League and Touch Football teams, as well as the prestigious Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team. The entire Patties community is incredibly proud of you, Jared. We wish you all the very best for your NRL career.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
03 Jul 2026
From Facebook
This week, a select group of our Year 10 students partnered with Nagle College to lead two engaging and meaningful leadership sessions for Years 5 and 6 at St Patrick’s Primary School. Demonstrating remarkable confidence, our students served as youth ministers, delivering insightful presentations on leadership and faith, and facilitated dynamic small-group discussions. From leading prayers to energising the room with interactive games and songs, they displayed a level of maturity, warmth, and genuine care that resonated with everyone present. The primary students were truly captivated, instantly recognising the Year 10s as wonderful role models. The vibrant energy and enthusiasm throughout the sessions were a testament to the strong connections formed. The Patrician Brothers’ and Nagle students involved in this program deserve immense credit, and will certainly leave a lasting positive impact on the young leaders of tomorrow. This initiative stands as a model for collaborative student formation between primary and secondary schools across the diocese.