HIPPY Graduation celebrates 25 years of learning, confidence and community

SMRC proudly celebrated the 2025 graduates of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) on Friday 21 November, bringing together children, families, tutors and community leaders for a warm and joyful ceremony.

The event was attended by Lee Tarlamis MP, Eden Foster MP and HIPPY Australia Senior Manager, Siska Frederick who joined families in marking this important milestone. The Dandenong Star News Group was also onsite to photograph the graduation and share the story with the wider community. Read their article here.

Empowering families, tutors and the community

Over the past two years, twenty-three children and their parents have taken part in HIPPY’s structured, in-home early-learning program. The model supports parents to become their child’s first teacher, strengthening family relationships and building confidence ahead of starting school.

SMRC CEO, Jim Mullan, highlighted the significance of the achievement for families.

“Every child, every parent and every tutor who is part of SMRC’s HIPPY has worked incredibly hard to get to graduation, and that should be celebrated. The beauty of HIPPY is that it puts tools, training and support in the hands of parents and carers to learn at home with their child, spending more regular quality time together.”

Families like Sujanthini and her daughter Saranika shared the joy of learning together.
“HIPPY is fun! My child loves learning and HIPPY story books. She is ready to start school happily,” she said.

For more than 25 years, HIPPY has supported over 28,500 families across Australia, including many from culturally diverse and newly arrived communities. The program not only strengthens early learning, but also builds pathways for parents who take on the role of HIPPY Tutor.

HIPPY Senior Coordinator, Tatjana Krneta, shared the transformative impact the program has on tutors.

“For nearly fifteen years, I’ve watched the life-changing impact HIPPY has on parents who become HIPPY Tutors. Many begin their tutor tole with no work experience. Through HIPPY they find their voice, their confidence and a new path forward for themselves, their families and their community.”

Operating in the City of Greater Dandenong since 2011, SMRC’s HIPPY program continues to support local families, preparing children for school and strengthening community connection.

Learn more about HIPPY at SMRC

Families interested in the HIPPY program can learn more or submit an expression of interest on our website here.

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The Brotherhood of St. Laurence holds the licence to operate HIPPY in Australia.

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