Alcoa teams up with Clontarf Coodanup Academy

Clontarf Foundation's Coodanup Academy will benefit from a grant through Alcoa Australia's community investment program which will see $225,000 provided over three years.

The Clontarf Foundation helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to attend school, complete Year 12 and enter employment.

The new partnership was announced at a special basketball training session held on Wednesday, 21 August, at Coodanup College in Mandurah, where academy students proved to be far more skilled than Alcoa representatives when they took to the court for a friendly game.

Alcoa has challenged itself to further strengthen relationships and enhance respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the company's WA Manager of Mines Darrin Strange said the partnership with Coodanup Academy was an important step in doing so.

"We are very proud to work closely with the Clontarf Foundation and to announce our three-year partnership to support the boys here at the Coodanup Academy," Mr Strange said.

"We are committed to sharing value with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by improving employment outcomes and this exciting partnership with the Clontarf Foundation's Coodanup Academy intends to help support 85 local boys to achieve their goals. Our interactions include mornings such as today when we can have some fun and get to know the boys."

"The boys will regularly visit Alcoa operations with a view to potential employment opportunities in the region where we operate."

Since commencing in 2000, the Clontarf Academy approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to continue their schooling, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lifestyles.

Academies are established in schools with the permission and endorsement of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and leaders. Participation is voluntary and requires parental or caregiver consent.

Clontarf Foundation Regional Manager Clint Ernst said he was excited about attending the first of many early morning basketball sessions with the Alcoa team.

"Our community connection is an extremely important component of our engagement with our partners," Mr Ernst said.

"We use supportive relationships and a diverse range of activities to develop and improve self-esteem and confidence, which assists our boys in education, employment, and society in positive ways," said Mr Ernst.

"Clontarf staff assist with developing a pathway to employment and our relationship with our partners, such as Alcoa, is vital."

"Clontarf staff provide ongoing support and stay in the boys' lives as part of our alumni program."

Alcoa's broader vision for reconciliation is to strengthen and build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities founded on respect, an understanding of their needs and aspirations, and a desire to walk together to establish shared value and this partnership puts words into action.