Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island youth in Wagga Wagga
Students from the Clontarf Foundation’s Academy at Mount Austin High School in Wagga Wagga celebrated a fantastic year at their graduation ceremony last month.
December 9, 2022
ARTC Inland Rail was proud to join the Clontarf Foundation’s end of year celebrations for its cohort of boys from year 7 to year 12 at Mount Austin High School in Wagga Wagga last month.
With four students graduating Year 12 and achieving their HSC and many students receiving awards for outstanding performance in school attendance, health and fitness training and employment, the Clontarf Foundation is making a real and sustained difference to the lives of these young men.
The Clontarf Foundation aims to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men so they can participate more meaningfully in society.
The Clontarf Foundation’s Mount Austin Academy provided opportunities to 100 boys in 2022 to build their self-esteem through a range of activities and life experiences including field trips, employment opportunities, education support and life skills.
Clontarf Foundation’s Regional Manager – Riverina, Pat Edmunds, says the Foundation plays a key role in positively shaping the lives and attitudes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students in a compassionate and welcoming environment.
“All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island boys are welcomed at Mount Austin and we’re passionate about providing a safe and supportive environment that encourages them to develop their confidence and improve their educational outcomes,” Mr Edmunds says.
“With the last two years being so interrupted by Covid 19, it’s fantastic to see the boys back at school in person, spending quality bonding time with their mates and learning the important education and wellbeing skills that will hopefully set them up for life.
“It was so rewarding to see four young men complete year 12 this year, graduate with their HSC and step out proudly into the world.
“They set such a powerful example for the younger students to keep striving to improve their education, and health and wellbeing outcomes.”
ARTC Inland Rail Director Health, Safety & Environment, Steve Jones, says it’s great to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island boys flourishing at Mount Austin High School’s Clontarf Foundation Academy.
“One of the key focus areas of the Inland Rail Skills Academy is helping regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities build the skills which will help them participate in Inland Rail and future infrastructure projects,” Steve says.
“We’re proud to support the Clontarf Foundation because they’re all about helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island kids see it is possible to improve their education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects.”
Inland Rail is supporting 14 academies with approximately $500,000 donated over two years to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island men while at school and post-graduation.
IMAGE: Mount Austin High School students celebrating Year 12 graduation
