“This is a dream come true and wouldn’t have been possible without my school and boarding experience. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who supported me along the way. Their guidance and encouragement helped me, and I’ll carry their impact with me forever.”
Kyla Grieve (second from left) at the 2025 AIEF Year 12 Graduation.
Congratulations to AIEF Alum Kyla Grieve, whose artwork Resilience in Flow has been selected as the cover of HSBC Australia’s latest Reconciliation Action Plan. The piece reflects Kyla’s personal journey through boarding school, the challenges she faced, and the strength she found through culture and family. Her story mirrors AIEF Partner HSBC’s own commitment to growth and progress on its reconciliation journey.
A proud Kokoberrin and Kurtijar woman from Normanton in Queensland, Kyla completed Year 12 in 2025 at The Cathedral School, Townsville onan AIEF Scholarship.
“Boarding school was both rewarding and challenging. I am grateful for the opportunities as it has helped me build resilience and prepare for my future.”
Kyla’s artwork carries deep personal meaning. Each symbol and colour represents her connection to culture and the experiences that shaped her. Created while recovering from knee surgery and living far from home, the piece reflects how those cultural connections supported her through adversity.
“The large symbol in the top left corner represents my family sitting together as one. Flowing through the painting is the Norman River, the river that runs through Normanton. Within the river is my totem, the water goanna, which holds special cultural significance for me.”
The artwork also traces her physical and emotional journey. “The symbol that cuts through the painting is the symbol of travelling, with the six circles representing each stop between Normanton and Townsville – the journey I would take for school. In the bottom right corner, the hills symbolise the many ups and downs I faced throughout my schooling years.”
“Overall, this painting is about how my connection to home, family and culture guided me through the challenges of being at boarding school. Even though I was 10 hours from home, I continued to feel that strong connection and guidance of my parents.”
Since graduating, Kyla has taken the next step towards her future, joining the Royal Australian Army where she is training to become an Aircraft Technician.
“This is a dream come true and wouldn’t have been possible without my school and boarding experience. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who supported me along the way. Their guidance and encouragement helped me, and I’ll carry their impact with me forever.”
Kyla was unable to attend the Reconciliation Action Plan launch in Sydney as she completes her basic training. The event brought together AIEF and HSBC communities, with AIEF Alum Harry Tanner delivering the Acknowledgement of Country.
Harry, who graduated from Knox Grammar in 2024, previously completed an AIEF Tertiary Internship with HSBC and is now studying Commerce and Law at the University of Sydney.
Harry and AIEF Ambassador Benson Saulo at the 2026 HSBC RAP Launch.
“When we talk about reconciliation in a business setting, especially in banking, it’s about more than intention,” Harry shared.
“It’s about creating real pathways for economic empowerment, supporting Indigenous businesses and backing the next generation of leaders.”
“For me, reconciliation is about making sure more young people like me have access to education, careers and opportunities, and that we feel supported to succeed in these spaces.”
The HSBC RAP launch event was opened by HSBC Australia CEO and AIEF Ambassador Steve Hughes, with fellow AIEF Ambassador and HSBC Indigenous Advisory Group Chair Benson Saulo facilitating a panel featuring Indigenous businesses involved in HSBC’s pilot mentor program. Speakers included Fiona Harrison, Founder, Chocolate on Purpose; Erika Ferrier, Founder, Deadly Skincare; and Kyah Bell, Chief Commercial Officer, Cairncross Capital and member of the HSBC Indigenous Advisory Group.
We congratulate HSBC Australia on their Innovate RAP for 2026-2028 and look forward to continuing to collaborate to support more young Indigenous Australians.