In Glenroy, Melbourne, a green jersey worn by “The Green Team” tells a story far deeper than sport. It’s the story of Itiki Sporting Club, and the woman who built it from nothing but belief - Mariella Teuira, Finalist for The Paul Cross Educator of the Year Award at the King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025.
Mariella’s journey began with adversity - homelessness, teen parenthood, and the fight to save her school, Ballerrt Mooroop College – but she transformed her lived experience into a mission to uplift others. When the school faced closure, Mariella lived onsite with her children and Indigenous Elders to keep its gates open. That same fierce commitment now fuels her work at Itiki.
Founded in 2012, Itiki Sporting Club is more than a sports programme - it’s a trauma-informed, wrap around mentoring initiative that supports over 300 young people annually. Many come from Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and multicultural backgrounds. Some have disengaged from school, faced family trauma, or had experience with the justice ystem. All find a safe haven at Itiki.
Mariella’s model is holistic: sport is the gateway, but the real learning happens in car rides, community BBQs, andmoments of trust. She teaches budgeting through fundraising, leadership through coaching, and resilience through example. Her leadership is circular, no thierarchical.
Her philosophy: “You become the strongestperson you know through your hardship.”
Every programme is free. Every participant s expected to give back. And every success story - from a shy girl who foundher voice to a young man now entering special services in the ADF - is a testament to Mariella’s impact.
Now, she’s preparing to pass the baton to 17-year-old Destiny Teuira Mifsud, who says, “She’s like a mother to all of us. She’s changed a lot of our lives for the better and she’s the reason I am who I am today. She has made a better version of myself. She made a family in Itiki.”
Mariella’s work is a living blueprint ofwhat education can be when grounded in culture, community, and unconditionalbelief. Congratulations, Mariella, on this well-deserved recognition.
Learn more about the King’s Trust Australia Awards and other inspiring finalists at www.kingstrust.org.au.
