The Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed today’s official opening of the Narromine Clontarf Academy.

Mr Coulton is a keen advocate for the work of Clontarf and has previously spoken about the not-for-profit organisation in Parliament.

“I’m thrilled with today’s official opening of the Narromine Clontarf Academy, and it’s a great pleasure to deliver my remarks at this event,” Mr Coulton said.

“In the Parkes electorate we are lucky to have Clontarf academies in Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Coonamble, Dubbo, Moree, Narrabri and Narromine.

“I have witnessed Clontarf’s success first-hand – it has been a great privilege to get to know some of the young men who have progressed through the academies and to see their self-esteem grow.

“Already more than 60 young men are benefitting from the Narromine Clontarf Academy, which is expected to grow next year.

“In May the Federal Coalition Government announced it would invest more than $50 million in Clontarf Academies across Australia. This investment will help more young Indigenous boys in my electorate realise their full potential.”

Clontarf uses the vehicle of Australian Rules and/or Rugby League to support young Indigenous men to attend and finish school, find a job or undertake further education.

“Getting children to attend school and complete their education is a priority for the Liberal and Nationals Government, and it’s initiatives like Clontarf that achieve these outcomes,” Mr Coulton said.

The $50 million investment through to 2023 will ensure 10,500 Indigenous school students receive comprehensive support through Clontarf academies across Australia, including in the Parkes electorate.

The Coalition Government has also announced a further investment of $2.5 million to support the Clontarf Foundation’s Health Project for a further 12 months. The Health Project implements of a range of activities including facilitating Medicare health checks, organising health and wellbeing sessions, and training staff in mental health first-aid.

Funding for the Clontarf Foundation is part of the $200 million Indigenous Education Package funded through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The support for Clontarf is complemented by more than $50 million in helping Indigenous girls to attend and finish school, as well as funding for Indigenous scholarship programs.

Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, Narromine Shire Council Mayor Craig Davies and General Manager Jane Redden, and representatives of Clontarf and Narromine High School.