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Our History

At EPIC Pathways, we know that mentoring is a powerful force for change. It creates opportunities, fosters connection, and supports young people to thrive. Our journey is rooted in a proven approach, but we’ve made it into something uniquely ours—guided by the voices and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
 

The inspiration for EPIC Pathways traces back to 2005, when Jack Manning Bancroft, a 19-year-old university student, founded AIME, formally (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) in Redfern, Sydney. Starting with 25 First Nations high school students and 25 volunteer university mentors, AIME went on to become a nationally recognised program that partnered with schools and universities across Australia. It demonstrated how a university-based mentoring model could transform lives, be cost effective and create measurable impact. 
 

For a detailed evaluation of the impact of the AIME program, check out this 2018 report from KPMG and watch AIMEs Australian Story here.

Check out what AIME are up to now here. 

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I had the privilege of experiencing the life-changing impact of mentoring firsthand. As a mentee in the program, I was matched with mentors who believed in me, encouraged my potential, and helped me approach my future with confidence. This experience was transformative, cementing my belief in the power of mentoring when it’s done in a way that is genuine, inclusive, and culturally safe. 

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See TedX talk here: Imagining equality through partnerships in education | Rhian Miller | TEDxYouth@Abbotsleigh

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In 2024, with the support of UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, our team undertook a community consultation process to design a new program that drew on the strengths of this proven mentoring model and integrated community feedback. 

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EPIC is designed to uplift, inspire, and respect the diverse realities of First Nations youth. Mentoring, as we see it, is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it requires commitment, trust, and a deep understanding of the communities we work alongside.

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Having seen the transformative power of mentoring from both a personal and professional perspective, I am committed, as CEO of EPIC Pathways, to ensuring EPIC Pathways is a program that truly makes a difference. Together with our partners—schools, universities, governments, and communities—we are building a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are empowered to succeed and lead in every aspect of life.

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Let’s create these pathways of opportunity, grounded in culture, connection, and shared purpose, for the next generation of First Nations leaders.

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Rhian Miller

CEO and Founder

Group photo of young high school students all wearing Graduation jumpers from AIME program
The image shows the Progress Pride Flag. It features the traditional rainbow stripes representing the LGBTQ+ community, with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. On the left side, there is a chevron design with black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBTQ+ communities of colour, and light blue, pink, and white stripes to represent the transgender community. The chevron points to the right, symbolising forward movement and progress.

EPIC embraces diversity and inclusion by providing an inclusive mentoring and work environment. We welcome everyone, irrespective of age, sex, gender, sexuality, religion, size and ability.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

EPIC honors and respects the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We deeply value their enduring connection to the land, water, and community. With heartfelt reverence, we acknowledge their rich cultures and pay tribute to the Elders past, present, and emerging.

The image shows the Accessibility Flag, designed to represent people with disabilities. The flag features a simple and clear design with a blue background. In the centre, there is a black, stylised figure of a person positioned in the middle of the flag. This symbol is placed on a neutral background to emphasise the focus on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes digitally, in school, and on the journey to a positive post schooling pathways.

Self-determined futures. Our ways.

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