15 the QUARTERLY clontarf foundation October 2014 Celebrating 15 Years of Clontarf 2000 - 2014 contents clontarffoundation the QUARTERLY October 2014 FEATURE - 15 YEARS 15 Year Timeline Where Are They Now? The Recipe For Success HIGHLIGHTS New Central Office Academy Openings in NSW CEO Trip To Alice Springs Employment Forums 2014 After School Programmes Carnivals in Term 3 Wesfarmers Boot Camp Prime Minister in Yirrkala Corporate Supporters 4-5 6-7 8-9 3 3 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 About us The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and by doing so, equips them to participate more meaningfully in society. Using the passion that Aboriginal boys have for football allows the Foundation to attract the boys to school. But it is not a sporting programme. Each Clontarf Academy, formed in partnership with the local school, is focussed on encouraging behavioural change, developing positive attitudes, assisting students to complete school and secure employment. Fundamental to this, is the development of values, skills and abilities that will help the boys to achieve better life outcomes. Through a diverse mix of activities, the full-time, local Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students while the school caters for the educational needs of each student. 2 | the QUARTERLY October 2014 Message from the CEO I first floated the idea of using football to attract boys to the Clontarf Aboriginal College with Ross Kelly on Sunday 22 August 1999. I had finished coaching at Fremantle, was working in the football media and had been asked by a friend – the Principal of the Clontarf Aboriginal College – to help him out. Before football I had been a teacher; my friend needed a teacher; hence his request. I had no intention of going back to teaching but as I had time available mid week, I agreed to hold the fort until he was able to recruit a permanent replacement. After several years we decided to grow and with the financial support of Wesfarmers (Harry Perkins and Michael Chaney), the Minister for Education – Alan Carpenter – and others, were able to do so. Brad Puls, Craig Brierty, Andrew McGovern, Charlie Shannon and Tony Cogan joined us. We opened Kalgoorlie, followed by Geraldton, Yule Brook and Broome. Every school we went to had the same problem and importantly, what we were doing seemed to fix it. 15 years down the track we now operate in 3 States and the NT – in 59 schools, have 3,046 boys, employ 180 staff and have an annual budget of $23 million. Pleasingly, despite growing dramatically our results have actually improved. Just as well; there’s heaps more left to do. We estimate that an additional 12,000 Aboriginal boys both need and would benefit from the programme. By whatever yardstick one chooses to use, the Clontarf Aboriginal College was unsuccessful. Founded by the Christian Brothers in 1986, it had a capacity for 180 students. Despite this, no more than 50 students had ever been enrolled at one time. On a “good” day 30 of these attended and if the day was “bad” the number fell to 5. Moreover an extraordinarily high student turnover made it impossible to achieve even rudimentary I cannot begin to thank everyone who has helped academic outcomes. Small wonder that it was on the list of schools that the Catholic Education Commission us. All I can say is that the support we have received from all levels of government, schools, communities, our planned to close. After working part time at Clontarf for a couple of corporate partners and most importantly the Aboriginal weeks, I noticed that a small group of football loving people has got us to where we are today. Which brings me to Clontarf’s dedicated, full-time staff members – not only those still with us but those who’ve gone before. We are only as good as you are. Most of you live and work where our boys live and if needs be, are available for them 24 hours per day seven days per week. You are the reason why we are successful. Your dedication and commitment to making That was what I said to Ross. It resonated and he a real difference is inspiring. Finally, I am told that if tough times don’t kill you agreed to help. they’ll make you stronger. Well, Ross is still Chairman; I Neither of us knew where the idea might lead nor, am still the Chief Executive; Simon, Brad, Craig, Andrew indeed, much about how to go about pursuing it. We and Charlie are still with us and all of us are stronger and raised $34,000, employed our first staff member, Simon more committed than ever – reason in itself to pause Nimmo, formed a partnership with the College, recruited ever so briefly to savour the events of the past 15 years. 25 boys, started a programme and learned by doing. boys was turning up more regularly. I started to coach them and soon even more turned up. The longer I coached them, the better they behaved. Some grew less angry, most became more compliant and virtually all of them sought interaction with me at every opportunity. Maybe football was the key to attracting and keeping boys at the College! Kick back for a moment and enjoy this special 15 year We kept and grew the things that worked; chopped the things that didn’t; measured our results and kept a anniversary edition of the Quarterly! tight control over our money – all things we do today. I worked with the boys. Ross worked on the business model. By and large the process worked. We filled the Gerard Neesham school and kept it full. Clontarf Foundation CEO www.clontarf.org.au highlights highlights Central office staff and participants on an induction course move in. A snapshot of the facilities before being refurbished. Gerard Neesham speaks with the Midwest Academy boys - our first visitors to the office. The Mt Austin Academy boys have taken to the programme in the short time since opening. We’ve moved! New Central Office in Bentley Academy Openings The Foundation is very pleased to announce that during July our small Central Administration team moved into new offices in McKay Street, Bentley. The building is located on the Bentley educational precinct that includes Curtin University, Canning College and Polytechnic West. With generous support from our partners, us can’t believe how much extra elbow room we have refurbished a derelict vacant building they’ve got! and turned it into a bright, modern, comfortable, - Thank you one and all professional, fit for purpose office. The building is situated on a corner of the In doing so, we’ve also managed to save Department of Education’s Canning College ourselves about $75,000 a year in rent and campus. The Department facilitated the new other charges – a truly great result! development by generously allowing us to - More than just an office lease the building and surrounding land for 40 Our Central Office is much more than a years at a peppercorn rent. In Term 3 we welcomed our newest Academy members from Dubbo and Wagga Wagga with a Super Training session held in Dubbo. place for our management and support team to work from and support Clontarf’s 160 plus workers in the field. It is also where: • We host regular information sessions for corporate partners, potential partners, government organisations and other members of the community; • Alumni regularly visit for support in finding employment and managing other post-school life challenges. In addition, regionally-based Academy students and staff travel to Perth frequently for employment forums, camps and to take part in combined Academy events. While they are in Perth, Central Office serves as a venue for special events, dinners, presentations and the like. The Academies that have already visited www.clontarf.org.au Invaluable financial support was provided by Lotterywest, and the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet. (Thank you Ministers Scullion, Bishop and Johnston, and Don Randall MP for your advocacy). In addition extremely valuable support in kind was provided by our builders, PACT Construction (part of the ABN Group) and their subcontractors; our consultants, Scatena Clocherty Architects, Tenancy Consulting and Wood and Grieve Engineers and by a number of our other partners and friends. Thank you one and all! We’re delighted with our glamorous “fit for purpose” office facility that will see us through our next stage of development and well beyond. What a way to celebrate our 15th birthday! Please come and visit us. Clontarf Academies from Bourke, Brewarrina and Coonamble travelled to Dubbo for the special event that was attended by local Federal Member Mark Coulton, local State Member Troy Grant and Federal Minister for Social Services the Honourable Kevin Andrews. All boys participated in an early morning training run before sharing a healthy breakfast with the special guests. The Mt Austin Clontarf Academy in Wagga and two campuses in Dubbo - Delroy College and Dubbo South - have had great terms with activities focussed on having the boys engage in the programmes as well as learn how Clontarf does things. Next year the programme will be extended to include the Dubbo Senior Campus thereby allowing the current group of Year 10 students to stay in the programme while they complete their final years of schooling. Dubbo, with its target audience of 300 boys is expected to grow to become the biggest Clontarf Academy in the country. Though not quite as big as Dubbo, Wagga’s Mt Austin Academy is also expected to grow into one of our biggest Academies. the QUARTERLY October 2014 | 3 y (W A) st (W A) South E ) 27 boys graduated from Casuarina College, the biggest group recorded at the school 1 Yr 12s: 3 2 40 s: 4 24 www.clontarf.org.au s: 05 Yr 12s: 2 Ac ,04 6 ) (WA A) aw (W Girr iew A) W nV ( a Sw ws re d n il A c Ce 14 n hee bb o www.clontarf.org.au 1 Yr 12s: 6 20 ys Bo So The Foundation moved into its third state with five Academies established Victoria A cad Armidale (NSW) emies: 47 Fitzroy Cro ssing (WA ) More e (NS Bre W) wa Cricket Australia partnership rrin trialled with 1,300 boys playing a (N SW cricket across the country ) As part of an agreement with DoHA, mandatory health checks were introduced for all Academy students y Bo ade mies: 53 ys Bo ) ys Bo ys Bo W) er (NS e l Inv b nam A) Coo nup (W a d o o C Oxley (NSW) 20 Yr 12s: 2 ,53 8 ade mies: 47 es W Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced funding for growth in 2014 budget (NS W) Mt Au stin (N SW) T) Ac ) SW (N ell roy ery (N r be im tK SW Roseb B :2 Katanning (WA) 12 ( 13 (N ade mies: 38 ) (NT da l i A) rm n (W Ko o v r a Carn A) am (W North ke r ou So A) W ( ley Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove agreed to become National Patron and Dame Quentin Bryce gained Life Patron status Du ,28 9 ,21 2 Ac i tcl gh Ni ) W NS Aca demies: 6 29 boys from the Midwest Academy completed Year 12 at Geraldton Senior College, setting a record for the school Inaugural Ross Kelly Cup played in Sydney, Clontarf’s first major Rugby League carnival 00 T) (N Gunbalanya (NT) N ff ( 20 11 T) la ka A) Sw a (W h t a r (NT) Kar Creek t n a Tenn T) Jabiru (N Yi rr (V 89 ill H an IC) Yr 12s: 1 y A) (W h ut The Central Office moved into a purpose built facility Del ) ies: 11 uth (WA Clontarf’s first primary school programme commenced at Nulsen Primary School, Esperance Bo 53 ore ek (W A) 06 Yr 12s: 2 (NT) s Cre Gr ,58 1 Hall Ac adem :2 Sanderson t ea : 75 2 ) n er Clontarf gained a foothold into the Kimberley with the establishment of an Academy in Broome ast (WA Katherine (NT) Gilm 1 86 07 A) (W 5 NT ) Yr 12s: 7 y( NT 20 1 02 s: 10 Yr 12s: 1 20 trali Cen T) ston (N Palmer ys Bo Her Majesty the Queen visited Clontarf Aboriginal College where Ben Ward, Neil Winmar and Johnny Garlett presented her with a Clontarf football 20 69 Yr 12s: 1 ade mies: 17 :2 4 | the QUARTERLY October 2014 ) NT an ( l( :3 erle em 20 mb oo oo y Bo Aca demies: 4 Federal and Western Australian Governments extended their funding commitments for a further four years Moved into NSW and into the world of Rugby League Bairnsdale (VIC) Warrn amboo l (VIC) Drip s s y t o n o e R B (NT) obi nva Mi le ( ldu VIC ) ra (VI C) The opening of Gunbalanya Academy marked the first Clontarf Academy in a remote Aboriginal community ad ch h We 08 Ac Ac eS s: 1 19 ra dl Expansion into the top end of the Northern Territory De 10 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited two Clontarf Academies in Perth and Darwin where he announced the Federal Government’s intention to provide an additional $10 million to Clontarf 20 Yr 12s: 2 1 20 Yir a t Ki ,36 2 ,62 8 :1 ys Bo ade mies: 20 ade mies: 31 nM id Eas :1 63 WA) oaks ( Seven Roebourne (WA) Casuar ina (NT ) Yr 12s: 1 20 09 rb 20 16 boys completed Year 12 at Clontarf Aboriginal College, the biggest number recorded at the school Academies commenced in Alice Springs, the first step into the Northern Territory lia Sout Dame Quentin Bryce AC agreed to become National Patron and Dr Ken Michael AC agreed to become Western Australian Patron Ac ra An employment strategy was developed Received support from Alan Carpenter and Brendan Nelson Ac nt A) W ( k Br le Yu The inaugural Broome to Bicton concert was held in February 5 Yr 12s: 7 Wesfarmers became the first significant partner Attendance rate of 90% and 100% retention First interstate trip to Melbourne Ce :2 Pilot programme commenced at Clontarf Aboriginal College First graduate to enrol in university y Bo Aca demies: 2 y Bo Aca demies: 2 y Bo 05 ys 3 Academy boys drafted to the AFL Bo e dw Mi Aca demies: 3 s: Yr 12s: 15 Aca demies: 1 ys Bo d e m i e s: 1 ld fie ld Go : 92 25 ys : A ca 02 20 20 01 A) W ( s 6 n Clo 03 Yr 12s: 1 00 20 ) WA f( tar Yr 12s: 13 20 15 Years of Clontarf 04 A) (W t s the QUARTERLY October 2014 | 5 Where are they now? Clontarf’s first graduates Chris Les Bradley Daniel Jeff Graham Plant Operator Building Surveyor Stevedore Diesel Mechanic Operations Officer Plumber Kelvin Training Assessor Kelvin Phillip Marty Stevedore Plant Operator Plant Controller At the beginning of the year 2000, a group of young Aboriginal teenage boys walked into the first Clontarf Academy room in Perth. Most had received a troubled upbringing in difficult family environments. But for Clontarf and its Academy virtually none of them would have been at the school. Neither they, nor the two staff members working with them, had the slightest idea that they were about to become pioneers in a programme that would succeed beyond all expectations, grow exponentially for the next 15 years and change not only their lives, but also the lives of thousands like them. By the end of 2002, the same group had developed into 16 confident, educated, young men – the first group of young Aboriginal men ever to spend three years with the Foundation’s inaugural Academy at Clontarf Aboriginal College and finish Year 12 – capable of standing on their own two feet and making something of their lives. In most instances they were the first in their families ever to finish Year 12 – trailblazers marking out a clear path for others to follow. All of them got a job. Fast forward to 2014 and we know that 14 of the 16 are working. All value education. They have 21 children between them and all of them that are of school age attend school regularly and are expected to finish Year 12. Eddie Indigenous Participation Supervisor Okimura Whereabouts Unknown Adrian Michael Plant Operator Professional Footballer Aiden www.clontarf.org.au Boilermaker Clontarf Trailblazers Whereabouts Unknown Clearly the programme does deliver sustainable results and is capable of breaking the cycle of disadvantage. The trail that they blazed is truly worth following. 6 | the QUARTERLY October 2014 Jeff www.clontarf.org.au the QUARTERLY October 2014 | 7 feature: the recipe for success highlights feature: the recipe for success Government - Victor Dominello The Recipe for Success Clontarf’s people work hard – but hard work is only part of the reason for Clontarf’s success over the past 15 years. What has allowed Clontarf to grow dramatically, deliver consistent programmes and consistent results? We think the key factors are: * * * * * * * * * * Full-time, dedicated, well trained staff Work procedures that are well designed and properly documented Effective training programmes Strong partnerships with schools and their staff Strong working relationships and support from the Federal Government and relevant State/ Territory Governments Strong enthusiastic private sector and philanthropic sector partners Dedicated volunteers Rigorous strategic and business planning A well defined business model An active experienced Board and strict governance Two thirds of the funding required to operate Clontarf’s programme is provided by the Federal and State (or Territory) Governments. NSW Minister for Indigenous Affairs, The Hon. Victor Dominello MP, who maintains a close association with Clontarf, observes, “Having seen Clontarf Academies in action in Bourke, Brewarrina and West Kimberley, I know the profound positive impact the programme is having on the development of thousands of young Aboriginal men across Australia.” “Sport plays a big part in the lives of many young Aboriginal men and the attributes needed to succeed are also applicable to other endeavours in life, including education and employment.” School Staff - Greg Lowry Thanks Barb, you and your company are truly ‘Clontarf Champions’. programme, growing over the years and completely transforming into confident young men searching for bright futures”. The staff who head up our Academies and/or deliver Clontarf’s programmes lead by example. That is why our ability to recruit highly functional, passionate men like Ian is critical to our success. www.clontarf.org.au Essentially Clontarf works within a school to create an environment that allows young Aboriginal men to feel valued and welcome. This leads to increased attendance, greater participation in school activities, improved behaviour and a more positive attitude to education – all of which in turn assist teachers to obtain better educational outcomes. www.clontarf.org.au Volunteers - Paddy Seet “At the time the school was struggling to engage young Indigenous boys,” notes Lowry. “The implementation of the Academy, in conjunction with restorative justice practices and Big Picture Education, was instrumental in accomplishing the positive turnaround and consequent successes the school has enjoyed.” “It is important that the staff and school follow regular policy; that both parties have a strong understanding of the strategies the other uses to achieve outcomes for the young men. “It is also vital that they support the implementation of each other’s programmes so that students can access all of the activities and strategies that are designed to develop young men capable of participating meaningfully in society.” Partners - Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs is one of Clontarf’s most significant corporate partners. Since joining our journey in 2006, their seed funding, high level advocacy, introductions and other forms of support have been fundamental to our growth. Barb Hurley is Executive Director - Office of Corporate Engagement with Goldman Sachs. Like many Goldman Sachs people, (and despite a busy schedule), Barb stays involved with our work and is always available to help wherever she can. In 2003, after a chance meeting in Geraldton with Gerard Neesham, he started working at our Midwest Academy as an Operations Officer. Two years later he was promoted to Associate Director and given responsibility for the John Willcock College site; a year or so later again as a Director, he opened new Academies in Roebourne and then Karratha; and after a further three years in the Pilbara, he returned to Geraldton where he is now responsible for our Midwest Academy which, with more than 120 boys, is one of the Foundation’s largest. 8 | the QUARTERLY October 2014 In 2005, recently retired Associate Principal of Yule Brook College (Maddington), Greg Lowry, helped lay the groundwork for a seamless partnership between his school and the Foundation. “Clontarf’s success has been independently proven and is reflected by its growth over the past 15 years - from one Academy and 25 students in 2000 to nearly 53 Academies and over 3,000 students in 2014.” Ian Taylor’s career with Clontarf is typical of many of those who work with us. Reflecting on his time at Clontarf, Ian also says, “The best memories I’ve collected over my 10 year journey are watching our fellas join the cause and ultimate goals. The Clontarf students never fail to impress in their commitment to achieving their goals.” “Gerard and Ross have worked tirelessly to perfect this synergy, using football as a vehicle to teach leadership skills and promote the importance of finishing school.” Clontarf Staff - Ian Taylor Asked why he thinks Clontarf works, Ian puts it down to the relationships between the staff and the boys. “Relationships are so paramount to our programme,” notes Ian. “We take the journey with our fellas, from the time they start high school – we ride with all the ups and downs, building the skills and abilities for life well after school”. Clontarf works in partnership with schools and clearly, the stronger these partnerships are, the better will be the outcomes obtained. “In my eight years in working with Clontarf, I have been privileged to witness the phenomenal growth of the Foundation and see it become a professional and successful organisation,” says Barb. “Direct financial support is critical, however being able to assist Clontarf in other ways whether it be introducing them to potential new partners, our staff volunteering at Clontarf events or hosting visiting Clontarf groups in our offices in Sydney and Melbourne – all contributes to the greater Patrick (Paddy) Seet has worked as a bus driver and maintenance officer at the Clontarf Aboriginal College for 21 years. For the past 15 of these years he has also been one of the Foundation’s most active volunteers. Until recently (and in addition to his “day job”) Paddy drove the Academy bus - starting work at 6am, picking students up from all over Perth, ensuring they arrived to early morning football training on time. Dropping them home after afternoon training or evening footy games, often getting home as late as 10pm. Paddy, who has supported the Foundation since day one says his passion is fuelled by watching the boys develop. “I am so impressed with the programme; it plays such an important role for the kids. If it wasn’t for the Foundation, these kids wouldn’t be in school,” he said. Clontarf Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Brierty, who has worked with Paddy for over 10 years, describes him thus, “Paddy’s support over the years has been unconditional. His involvement with us exemplifies how critical relationships are to our success. Our staff and students love him!” The establishment of boarding facilities on the College grounds has done away with the need for 6am pick-ups, but this hasn’t stopped Paddy. Look for him at any Clontarf Academy event. He’ll be there – helping wherever he can. Paddy is but one “soldier” in a small army of volunteers who help our Academies deliver their programmes. Thank you one and all! We couldn’t work without you! the QUARTERLY October 2014 | 9 highlights NSW Employment Forum provided 50 students with the opportunity to interact with representatives from 11 local and national industries. Stephen Galilee, CEO NSW Minerals Council spends time with the Centralian Middle School Academy boys. Linking with local employers: Kizzam Skeen (Year 11 Clontarf Academy) introduces himself to Sean Bennet from Leighton Contractors. CEO Engagement in Alice Springs Ready, Willing and Employable! July saw a small group of Clontarf’s East-Coast advocates and supporters head for Central Australia to mix with our boys and experience life in the “red centre”. One of the critical measures of Clontarf’s success is the extent to which its graduates obtain meaningful employment. Hosted by Regional Manager Shaun Cusack and Academy Directors (Randall Gould, Tom Sullivan, Tom Clements, Ian McAdam), our guests: • Over-nighted in Alice Springs before flying to Tennant Creek; • Were taken “bush” by elders to view traditional paintings and rock carvings; • Dined on kangaroo and bush turkey that had been cooked in a fire pit; • Slept in swags under the stars; • Watched a group of our boys perform a traditional dance; • Tried their hands at making clap sticks and boomerangs. They also took part in an early morning “Super Training”; met teachers, parents and community elders to learn more about how the programme involved and impacted local communities; and played nine holes of golf with our senior boys, a group of local partners and a number of Alice Springs identities. If the comments Raymond Adams, National Sales Manager for National received from attendees Biodiesel Group shaping wood to make artefacts with are anything to go by, the Clontarf boys. the venture was an outstanding success. Equally importantly, our boys loved the visit and took great pride in showing their Academies and their “country” to a group of Sydneysiders. There’s little doubt that this year’s event is about to become the first of many. 10 | the QUARTERLY October 2014 Employment Forums provide our boys with an opportunity to engage with our partners and hear about the range of careers available to them and in particular, to discuss: • The types of entry level job opportunities available in each industry; • The availability of particular jobs both in 2015 and beyond; • What employers look for and expect of new employees • How to access information. further In 2014, 14 employment forums (involving 140 business representations and more than 400 young Indigenous men) were conducted in various locations throughout Australia. The Clontarf Foundation would like to acknowledge the important contribution that our corporate partners and community businesses play in assisting the career development programme. The comments of Charles Pickett, a Year 12 South West Academy member sum up what our boys think of the process. “I really enjoyed the Employment Forum!” he said. “It was great catching up with all our partners again and having breakfast with them. They are all really friendly. I liked talking about jobs and about the future!” Students at the Victorian Employment Forum getting a rundown on the employment prospects in front of them. www.clontarf.org.au highlights Gerard Neesham addresses over 150 boys from the 10 NSW Clontarf Academies before kick-off at the Ross Kelly Cup. Looking sharp: Operations Officer Jake Foley demonstrates the art of shaving for the Swan View Academy boys. The Clontarf Dugites make a fast break for goal as spectators watch on at the Gerard Neesham Cup. I’m Too Sexy - Male Grooming With Jake Carnival Fun in September Clontarf’s “men in the field” are always on the lookout for new ways to engage their boys, improve their well-being and develop leadership and life skills – not only during the school day but after school as well. It’s Footy Finals time – for Clontarf as well as for the rest of Australia. During September, right across the country, Academy teams battled it out to determine which Academies were the best in their respective regions. As well as being fun and an incentive to attend school regularly, carnivals provide those attending with an opportunity to practice self reliance and build confidence; to see another part of the country; to interact with boys from different Academies and broaden their circle of friends. During the month: • The eighth annual Gerard Neesham Cup was held at Clontarf Aboriginal College with approximately 100 representatives from our corporate, government and community supporters joining the dozens of family members and friends for the match. It took an “All-Stars” contingent (made up of 12 Perth and regional Academies) to steal the silverware from the unbeaten Clontarf Academy Dugites in the dying seconds of the game. • All 10 NSW Academies competed in the second annual Ross Kelly Rugby League Cup, held at Saint Ignatius College, Riverview. Moree took the Cup home beating Inverell in the final. Caltex and Goldman Sachs staff members assisted throughout the day, running water, scoring, taking photos and the like. Our thanks to all concerned. Goldman Sachs Managing Director, Simon Rothery took part and commented, “It was a great day; I really enjoyed spending time with the boys and joining them in a game of touch rugby. The boys were so friendly, polite and respectful, and are a real credit to Clontarf.” • The Northern Carnival, with over 300 participants from 17 Academies from WA and NT, is the largest event on the Foundation’s calendar. This year it was Kununurra’s turn to host the carnival. The winners were East Kimberley (Div 1) and Kormilda (Div 2). We are pleased to report that once again, players not only exhibited a high degree of skill but, more importantly, and without exception, games were played in the right spirit. Swan View Academy Operations Officer Jake Foley’s after school grooming class “Bringing Sexy Back” is an excellent example. During Term 3, and under Jake’s guidance, a group of his boys have been learning about general hygiene, how to shave and how to look after their skin. Talking about his initiative, Jake says, “Some of the boys were a bit shy to begin with but now they’re really getting into it. It has increased their self-awareness and now they are looking and smelling good and carrying themselves with more confidence and pride”. Sebastian Stream gives shaving a go. www.clontarf.org.au Other Academies run similar after school programmes. The Kaarda Homework Club draws a crowd at Bunbury’s South West Academy; after school Ping Pong and Pancakes is popular at Moree; the boys at West Kimberley Academy have enjoyed guitar lessons and band practice; while after school gym and personal training sessions are also a big hit with the boys at several other Academies. There’s a lot more to Clontarf than football! After school Kaarda Homework Club in full swing at the South West Academy. the QUARTERLY October 2014 | 11 Warrnambool Academy boys led a high-paced Boot Camp fitness session attended by staff from Wesfarmers. Fun and Fitness with Wesfarmers Usually our boys are subjected to Boot Camp style training sessions as part of their fitness regimes. Recently however, the boys from our Warrnambool Academy actually conducted one; at the Crown Melbourne Complex and for a group of managers attending their National Leadership Conference no less! Organising and conducting the training session on behalf of our long–term partner Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers, was a new experience for the boys and part of their development. Understandably they were nervous as, before dawn, they set up in the Crown Exhibition Hall and then waited for an unknown number of unknown participants to arrive. 6.30am came and went. “They’re late! Could it be a no show?” Just as the boys thought it was, 33 employees of Clontarf’s partner Wesfarmers walked in; and after smiles, greetings and handshakes all round the session was quickly under way. The Tabata Circuit (interval style training) followed by boxing then a “warm down” was a huge success. Our partners got to “touch” the programme they support while, at the same time, dusting off a few early morning cobwebs. And our A solid workout: The Warrnambool boys put the group through their paces. boys took another step along the road to greater self-esteem! PM Visits Yirrkala On the 17 September, the Yirrkala Clontarf Academy boys had the special opportunity to meet a Prime Minister when The Hon. Tony Abbott MP came to town as part of his visit to Arnhem Land. The boys were participating in an early morning training session when Mr Abbott, who was visiting the school, came over to say hello. The Clontarf boys represented the Foundation, the school and their communities well; showed confidence – shaking Mr Abbott’s hand, and telling him about what they were doing that morning as part of the Clontarf programme. Thank you for your support Clontarf would like to acknowledge the following organisations for their recent commitment to support the Foundation: • Hassad Australia • Iluka Resources • Mount Gibson Iron • Power & Water • Water Corporation • WesCEF • Wood Group PSN Workplace Giving & Donations There are a significant number of individuals who support the Clontarf Foundation through donations and work place giving programmes. We are very appreciative and thank you for your ongoing support. If you would like to donate directly please follow this link or alternatively, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now redeem their points for a cash donation to the Clontarf Foundation by following this link. Click here to download our 2013 Annual Report from our website. Follow us on Facebook Prime Minister The Hon. Tony Abbott MP chats to the Yirrkala Academy boys. Clontarf Foundation Central Office McKay Street, BENTLEY WA 6102 Ph (08) 9356 2500 Fax (08) 9356 2555 [email protected] clontarf www.clontarf.org.au foundation
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