NRL icons Steve Menzies and Nathan Hindmarsh visit an early morning Clontarf training session in Narromine, NSW.
Clontarf Foundation aims to improve the education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Sport is used as a key driver in engaging the Clontarf students, however it is not a sporting programme – it’s about developing the values, skills and abilities that will assist the boys to transition into meaningful employment and achieve better life outcomes. Clontarf operates 148 academies in schools around Australia, supporting more than 11,500 students each year.
The Tweed region in New South Wales has experienced significant population growth in recent years. Following a request from the Tweed River High School staff, Clontarf established an academy to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male students. Macquarie Sports’ grant to Clontarf goes directly toward supporting the placement of 40 boys at the Academy.
When it opened in January 2023, the Academy quickly met its enrolment target of 60 students. At the end of year, 57 students were still enrolled, representing 80% of the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male school enrolment. Five (out of a possible five) boys completed their Year 12 studies, and the Academy achieved an attendance rate of 85% (exceeding their target of 80%).
Cameron Campbell, Director of the Tweed River Academy, Clontarf Foundation, explains the organisation’s approach to engaging at-risk young people.
We have a holistic and unique approach where we engage with students through a wide range of engaging activities. Each day we coordinate and run a range of activities based around our six key pillars: education, leadership, sport, wellbeing, employment and partners. Our Academies provide an important school-engagement mechanism for many at-risk students who would otherwise not attend or have low school attendance.”
Cameron Campbell
Director of the Tweed River Academy
Clontarf Foundation
“We use sport as a key driver in engaging youth as it provides a solid foundation for delivering and instilling good values, morals, routines and behaviours. It also encourages students to commit to training, activities and events,” said Campbell.
Clontarf Academies are embedded within the school campuses to attract and retain students in the education system as well as advise on training and employment pathways, which aligns with the Macquarie Group Foundation’s global grantmaking focus of breaking down barriers to employment.
Grantmaking in sports is not uncommon, particularly in the participation space, however our focus on education and employment appealed to sports focussed organisations looking to change the lives of young people.”
Chris McKenzie
Associate Director
Macquarie Sports
In addition to the grant funding, Macquarie Sports has aimed to broaden its connection with Clontarf by organising high profile sports people to visit the Tweed River High School Academy and others, including Dubbo and Narromine. Macquarie Sports has also coordinated introductory surfing clinics attended by Macquarie staff and Clontarf academies in Perth, Gold Coast and Maroochydore.
Throughout the year, the Academy facilitates various activities for the students, including early morning fitness sessions, attending various sports carnivals, regular social outings, volunteering opportunities within the local community and career and health related workshops. Academy staff support students to take practical steps to prepare for life after school, including setting up a personal bank account, creating a resumé, obtaining their driver’s license, acquiring a tax file number and exploring casual employment opportunities. The program receives great feedback from the young people who get involved.
Before Clontarf I was looking at different options instead of school, Clontarf has now given me something to do every day and it has made school better…Being part of Clontarf makes you want to become a better man and person in general.”
Year 12 student
Tweed River High School Clontarf Academy
“I like getting to bond with the boys on activities, like swimming at our beaches, gym sessions and camps. It made school more fun every day and less boring, it gives me an opportunity to build relationships and friendships, and pushes me to be a role model for other students,” said another year nine student.
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