JACOBI Fernando is proud to call himself a kid from Moree – a kid born and raised on Mehi Crescent.

Seventeen-year-old Jacobi, the eldest of seven children, has been a student at St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown for three years, and has reached many milestones along the way.

Last year, he stood alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and delivered an acknowledgement of country at an Australian Indigenous Education Foundation function in Sydney, and earlier this year helped design uniforms worn by referees in the NRL Indigenous Round in August.

Jacobi’s academic and sporting achievements were crowned earlier this month when he was named 2026 college captain at St Gregory’s, an incredibly proud moment for a kid from Moree.

“I was absolutely stoked to be named St Gregory’s college captain, especially for the school’s centenary year,” Jacobi said.

“When I found out at the Feast of St Gregory’s Mass, the widest smile just spread across my face,” he grinned.

“And to have my mum, dad and siblings there to watch meant so much. I’ve done my family so proud, but this is just the beginning of my leadership at St Gregory’s, with many more achievements to come, I hope.”

But for everything Jacobi has achieved in recent years, and the inroads he’s made, he says his greatest accomplishment is the connections he’s built, formed and nurtured while growing up in Moree.

“I give all credit to my late uncle, Maurice Green. As an individual, he was always meeting and greeting people, because that’s who he was,” Jacobi said.

“For me, growing up in that environment, meant I would strive to be the same.”

Moree’s Jacobi Fernando and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at an Australian Indigenous Education Foundation function in Sydney earlier this year, where Jacobi delivered an acknowledgement of country (Image Supplied).

Jacobi has been a student at St Gregory’s College since 2022. He previously attended Moree Secondary College Carol Avenue campus. The opportunity to enrol at St Gregory’s came about after a gala day at Glen Innes.

“Mr Anthony Field at Ignite Sports had put in a recommendation for me to go to St Gregory’s,” Jacobi said.

A short time later, Moree Public School teacher Olive Munro informed students the St Gregory’s College boarding co-ordinator, Luke Morrissey, would be in Moree for a gala day.

“It was great to meet someone from the school who was very welcoming. Mr Morrissey really influenced my decision to go to St Gregory’s,” Jacobi said.

In the past three years, Jacobi has achieved so much. He studies Religion 2, English Standard, Health and Movement, Biology, Chemistry and Modern History.

“The experience with the Prime Minister last year was great,” Jacobi said.

“On behalf of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, I delivered an acknowledgement of country to Mr Albanese.

“The NRL referee Indigenous jerseys were a collaborative effort between myself and my cousin, Connor Rose,” he said.

“The process of creation meant I could reconnect with my uncle, Paul Spearim, to learn the dreamtime story Connor and I were recreating on the jerseys.

“We then got to present the jerseys to the referees at the Warriors versus Bulldogs game, where I met Jonathan Thurston, someone I’ve always looked up to and admired.

“The entire experience, especially working behind the scenes at the NRL, was amazing. To put my art and my people on display for the whole country really meant a lot,” he said.

Jacobi said influences come from within his own family, and families close to his own.

“I have had so much support from my family, and the Noble and Greco families, which ultimately motivates me to do what I do,” he said.

“It’s definitely this connection to family, and belonging in Moree, that motivates me to strive to do my best.”

He said Moree will always be home.

“Everything I do is so I can potentially influence the next generation, and show the rest of the country that Moree is a good town, but consistently misjudged by actions that are only a response to the environment around us.

“To me, it’s about breaking the cycle – the drugs, the alcohol and violence. I’ve always hated seeing my community that way, so I just want to prove it’s better than how it’s portrayed.”

Jacobi says his main goal when finishing school is to help the community.

“I want to work in a field that benefits my community. I’m really turned towards anything medical, and am currently on the fence about radiology,” he said.

“But whatever occupation I decide to do will be focused on improving the lives of people around me.

“I know the struggles the youth face in my hometown. I’ve been aware of it all my life. If I were to give any advice, it would be to stay humble, and accept what is, and what cannot be – approach life knowing every day is a fresh start, that gives opportunities to be who you want to be,” he said.

Jacobi’s mum, Reena Fernando, said her son’s accomplishments at St Gregory’s College are testament to his unwavering commitment to education, family and his hometown.

“I am proud to witness him inspire his siblings and peers to strive for excellence,” Reena said.

“He’s just amazing at everything he does – I’m so proud of him.

“Jacobi went to Moree Public School and did two years at Moree Secondary College and is very good academically at everything he does.

“He went to a gala day at the school for the college, and it all went from there. Jacobi is very proud of his achievements, and also plays rugby union and rugby league for the school, as well as touch football.

“It’s no shock that he’s been named college captain,” Reena proudly said.

St Gregory’s College principal, Matt Brennan, said the college was excited to announce Jacobi as college captain for 2026, the school’s centenary year.

“Jacobi was involved in a thorough process involving his peers and staff voice, and was a clear choice from the community to be awarded the role,” Mr Brennan said.

“Jacobi has demonstrated leadership across all areas of college life, something he does with his trademark smile and positive attitude.

“He is a fine role model for students of all ages, as is demonstrated in his outstanding attitude and results in his studies, and his representation in our senior sports programs, including rugby league, rugby union, basketball and athletics.

“Jacobi possesses strong and public cultural leadership, and recently completed a toastmasters’ public speaking course.

“The college looks forward to Jacobi’s further growth and influence as our college captain in 2026,” Mr Brennan said.