The City of Mandurah has recommended council agrees to a three year partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, providing $54,000 and student employment opportunities.
The recommendation was put forward at the Committee of Council meeting, on July 11.
The agreement would establish a framework for improved opportunities for the student’s employment, training and volunteering, in partnership with the city.
City of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams moved the recommendation at the meeting and councillor Peter Rogers seconded it.
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Mr Williams said he was “delighted” to see the report and believed it would be supporting a worthy cause.
“I had the opportunity to meet with Clontarf crew,” he said.
“We are currently in NAIDOC Week and we take reconciliation seriously.”
Mr Williams said the primary benefit would be to create employment pathways for Mandurah youth.
As soon as we get the guys exposed to casual employment and work, we know that leads to a better life outcome.
- Clontarf Academy regional manager Michael Laymet
“We can create opportunities for young indigenous boys who need an need extra leg up,” he said.
“I think we should get behind this recommendation.”
Councillor Lynn Rodgers asked for extra information to be made available on the academy’s Mandurah achievements to “be assured they are actually doing the work they are stating”.
“I am sure they are but just to make sure,” she said.
The recommendation will be voted on at the Council Meeting on July 24.
The Clontarf Foundation operates Coodanup Clontarf Academy which is located at the Coodanup Community College, facilitating almost 70 local Aboriginal youth.
In February, Coodanup Clontarf Academy director Craig Callaghan and regional manager Michael Laymet met with the City of Mandurah with hopes of developing a relationship so their students would have more employment opportunities in the future.
Mr Lay said he wanted the academy to have a relationship with the city and to be informed when new jobs were available.
“As soon as we get the guys exposed to casual employment and work, we know that leads to a better life outcome,” he said.
“Clontarf is a home away from home and engages kids back into school.
“It’s really important for the community to help these young people.”
The academy regularly holds employment days where students are exposed to potential employers and participate in mock interviews.
For more information on the potential partnership visit the Committee of Council Agenda on the City of Mandurah website.