The Central North Police District, in partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, presented the Bourke High School (Clontarf Academy) Member of the Year for 2022 at Clontarf's Annual Awards Presentation in November last year.
The Award, a framed Canterbury-Banstown Bullodgs 2022 Indigienous Rugby League jumper, was signed by Australian Kangaroo and current Bulldog, Josh Addo-Carr, and given to the young recipient, Trae Wilson.
14-year-old Trae was given the Award after several key performance areas (KPAs) were evaluated. These KPAs included attendance at school, training and Academy engagement. Most importantly though, the winner must complete set tasks and continue to grow life skills using the Academy's values.
The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and equips them to participate more meaningfully in society.
The Foundation uses a unique, innovative approach to target one of the most at-risk groups in contemporary Australian society. Using the existing passion that members have for sport, Clontarf aims to attract participants to school and then keep them engaged and coming.
It is however, not a sporting program, rather it's about developing values, skills and abilities that will assist the young men to transition to meaningful employment and to achieve better life outcomes.
The Foundation partners with schools and communities to create Clontarf Academies embedded within the school. Full-time, locally based Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of issues, while the school caters for their education needs. Using supportive relationships, the students develop improved self-esteem and confidence which enables them to participate in education, employment, and society. To remain in the program, participants must continue at school and embrace the objectives of the Foundation.
The Bourke Clontarf Academy started in 2012 with 20 students and currently has 44 active members with three staff. Central North Police District has been supporting the Clontarf staff to ensure the students achieve their goals.
The Bulldogs are proud to support the program and congratulate Trae and all members of the Aboriginal Youth Porgram at Bourke High School.
Article courtesy of Detective Inspector Paul Quigg and NSW Police News.
