Unlocking potential

In a landscape as vast and varied as Australia’s, some of the most profound stories of transformation are rooted in the lives of its young people. Since its inception in 2000, Clontarf Foundation has been a beacon of change for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, using a unique, sport-fuelled methodology to rewrite narratives and empower futures. With its innovative approach, Clontarf isn’t just nurturing academic success but fostering values and skills to shape confident, community-minded leaders.

Its targeted approach and the successes it has achieved since starting out as a modest pilot program in Perth resonated with Audi Foundation, with the two organisations entering into a partnership with Audi Foundation providing financial support of $150,000 over two years.

At its core, the Clontarf Foundation recognised an urgent need to address one of the most at-risk groups in Australia, namely young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, who often face a fusion of socio-economic challenges, from limited access to education to systemic inequalities. Clontarf sought to tackle these barriers with a philosophy steeped in engagement, discipline and purpose.

Though not a sports program, Clontarf nevertheless leverages the passion many young men already have for sport, particularly Australian Rules Football and rugby, as an entry point. Sport acts as a magnet, drawing boys into an environment where they can be nurtured academically, emotionally and socially. 

The ultimate aim being to build a framework for better life outcomes, where education becomes the stepping stone to meaningful employment and societal contribution.

At the heart of Clontarf’s success is its network of academies – safe spaces embedded within schools that provide a seamless integration of mentorship, education and personal development. Each academy operates under the guidance of full-time, locally based staff who mentor participants on everything from behavioural challenges to life skills. The philosophy is holistic – by cultivating self-esteem and fostering resilience, the academies supports students to thrive not only in school but beyond.

“The Clontarf Foundation’s unique approach to helping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men realise their potential is both inspiring and impressive,” says Jeff Mannering, Chairman of Audi Foundation.

“Its results over 25 years have not only changed the lives of countless young men, but put in place a positive change that has an ongoing effect in communities all over the country.”

“Audi Foundation is very happy to partner with Clontarf Foundation and to help support and further its ongoing programs which have such a profound effect on so many.”

Clontarf’s programs are structured around six pillars – education, leadership, employment, well-being, life skills, and sport. This approach ensures that while the initial draw may be the thrill of a team game, the real victories are achieved in classrooms, job interviews, and within communities. Participants must commit to their schooling and uphold the Foundation’s values, creating a culture of accountability and ambition.

From its single academy in 2000, the Foundation now operates in 168 schools across six states and territories, catering to more than 11,000 boys annually. The ripple effects are extraordinary – improved school attendance, higher Year 12 completion rates and increased pathways to employment. Since its earliest days, the Foundation has celebrated thousands of Year 12 graduates, each with a story of triumph over adversity.

By 2007, Clontarf had expanded beyond Western Australia to the Northern Territory, opening two academies in Alice Springs. In 2009, its groundbreaking work was recognised internationally when Harvard University conducted a case study on its model. By 2020, even amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, Clontarf reached a record 8,463 participants across 123 academies.

But the heart of Clontarf isn’t just in numbers, it’s in the lives transformed. It’s the graduate who becomes the first in his family to pursue higher education. The young man who learns to navigate challenges with resilience and grace. The alumni who return to their communities as role models, breaking cycles of disadvantage and inspiring the next generation.