There is always hope.
Stick out and try as best you can for the moment, if you dont get your end result there are always other avenues. Have you looked into Uni as a mature age student?
Discuss it with your careers counsellor.
The HSC isnt the end of the world, its so minor compared to...
Last year we recieved our marks via text && email on Friday 16th December.
I remember as I didnt get them until the 19th after my birthday weekend because I didnt want to ruin a great 18th.