Supporting indigenous education and employment

Published on : 10/31/19
  • The Clontarf Foundation is leading the next generation of Australia’s male Indigenous youth into employment and future career opportunities, equipping them with education, discipline and self-esteem in a way that respects cultural origins and community.

    Launched in 2000 by former coach of the Fremantle Dockers Football Club and former Sydney Swans player Gerard Neesham OAM, Clontarf runs programs delivered through a network of football academies. The foundation partners with schools and communities to create ‘Clontarf Academies’, which integrate into a school’s existing education program.

    This approach to education and support has seen an 80 percent school attendance rate and 90 percent retention rate by participants. Clontarf now operates 116 academies across six Australian states and territories, involving more than 8,000 students.

    Recognising key synergies between the two companies, such as Indigenous employment and reconciliation, Sodexo became a national partner of the foundation in 2019 to support Clontarf’s ongoing work.

    The Clontarf Academy at Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin exemplifies how Sodexo is leveraging its resource and existing contracts to further the work of Clontarf. Sodexo is building
    its service into the supportive and constructive ecosphere the foundation has created for one of Australia’s most at-risk groups.

    EMPOWERED FOR GROWTH WITH SODEXO

    More than monetary support, Sodexo is committed to investing time and experience in Clontarf’s participants, providing opportunities for young Indigenous men to be exposed to successful role models and employment prospects. In this way, the Clontarf partnership allows Sodexo to provide young Aboriginal men with exposure to business, leading to apprenticeships and full- time employment.

    Sodexo has integrated this approach into its recent work with Haileybury Rendall School. The company has provided a number of services, including high volume catering and function services, food and beverage vending, cleaning, and preventative maintenance, to the school’s Victorian campuses since 2004. In 2019, Sodexo extended its service to the school’s Darwin campus, providing services to students and boarders at the school, many of whom are Clontarf participants.

    Sodexo has integrated this approach into its recent work with Haileybury Rendall School. The company has provided a number of services, including high volume catering and function services, food and beverage vending, cleaning, and preventative maintenance, to the school’s Victorian campuses since 2004. In 2019, Sodexo extended its service to the school’s Darwin campus, providing services to students and boarders at the school, many of whom are Clontarf participants.

    COMMUNITY

    At Haileybury Rendall School, Clontarf has created an environment which supports learning and development for Indigenous young men into adulthood, helping them become leaders within their communities. The partnership has allowed Sodexo to support this work through its Indigenous Leadership team, providing key activities and support on campus.

    “We look forward to this program, with Sodexo’s support, continuing to grow and help more and more boys contribute meaningfully to society.”
    - Gerard Neesham OAM, Founder & CEO, Clontarf Foundation

    SODEXO, WORKING TOWARDS RECONCILIATION

    Sodexo, global leader in quality of life services, approached the opportunity to work with the Clontarf Foundation as a partnership, to ensure a positive community impact.

    Supporting Clontarf is an important milestone in Sodexo’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan to invest in Indigenous owned businesses and contribute to bridging the gap. Sodexo has
    seen the value of the Clontarf Foundation’s work in some of its employees who were former program participants.

    Working within existing client sites such as Haileybury Rendall School has allowed Sodexo to contribute to the foundation and the greater community in an impactful way, which has set the tone for a meaningful ongoing partnership.

    “The ability to offer jobs and opportunities in communities is one of the key strengths of the relationship between Sodexo and Clontarf, and something that we bring, and educate, and build awareness around among Clontarf participants and students.”
    - Sean Armistead, General Manager,
    Indigenous & Community Engagement, Sodex

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