Clontarf Foundation will continue its invaluable work in the Dubbo region by addressing long-term disadvantage among indigenous communities following a funding commitment from Greater Charitable Foundation.
Clontarf Foundation has partnered with Greater Charitable Foundation since 2016. The latest funding commitment of $192,500 will support the continued roll out of their in-school re-engagement program at seven regions throughout NSW. This includes the program at Dubbo College for at-risk indigenous male students who would otherwise have very little or no school attendance.
The announcement is part of Greater Charitable Foundation’s 2019 funding round, which has allocated $1 million to charity groups across NSW and South East Queensland, and continues the Foundation’s funding of the program.
Dubbo College’s re-engagement program, which brings together the Dubbo South Academy, Delroy Academy and Dubbo Senior Academy, aims to improve the education, discipline, life skills and employment prospects of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male students.
Over the course of the program, Dubbo students participate in daily activities in the areas of education, leadership, employment, wellbeing, community and sport. They are also exposed to a wide range of experiences that broaden their thinking and assist them to gain employment after graduation from the program.
Clontarf Foundation’s Regional Manager NSW Central West, Dan Lewinski said the program is making sustainable changes in the Dubbo area by addressing issues related to long-term disadvantage at a grass root levels.
“We have seen first-hand how our program provides significant positive effects for the Dubbo community when these young men complete school, participate in the workforce and improve their lifestyles,” Dan said.
“Some of the activities we have held locally include an Employment Forum, a Dubbo Rugby League Carnival as well as before and after school training sessions that consist of a variety of sports such as cricket, touch footy and basketball.”
“Our Dubbo students also participate in a range of community events such as Rotary Tree Maintenance and NAIDOC Celebrations that help them develop stronger connections to their community.”
“Thanks to the continued support of the Greater Charitable Foundation, we have seen over 100 students continue through to Year 12 and graduate from our program and expect that this latest round of funding will enable over 320 students to participate in this life changing initiative.”
Greater Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Anne Long, said the Foundation is delighted to be supporting Clontarf Foundation for the third year in a row. Now in its eighth year of giving, the Foundation is looking forward to seeing the continued positive impact their program provides students from the Dubbo area.
“Through this year’s funding program, we were able to support a broad range of partners across our area of operation and are thrilled to continue our support of the Clontarf Foundation’s in-school re-engagement program in Dubbo.
“Greater Charitable Foundation has a proud tradition of partnering with organisations that provide practical, life-changing initiatives that directly support families and communities. Clontarf Foundation’s in-school re-engagement program provides that kind of invaluable support to young indigenous men in the Dubbo region encouraging them to complete school and find employment.
“We are exceptionally proud of the positive impact we have made over the past eight years and are looking forward to working with our latest group of partners including Clontarf Foundation to help change the lives of those they support.”
Greater Charitable Foundation’s allocation this year of more than $1 million takes its total funding since establishment in 2011 to more than $9 million, which has been allocated to 31 charity partners, impacting more than 32,000 beneficiaries.
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