KARRATHA, Australia -- The Clontarf Foundation and Rio Tinto will extend their successful 18-year partnership for a further five-years, continuing to improve education, wellbeing and employment outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men across Australia.
Since first partnering in 2008, the two organisations have worked together to support young men to engage in education, build confidence and transition into meaningful employment and further study.
That support has enabled Clontarf to grow tenfold, from 17 academies and 1,362 participants in 2008 to a national network of 161 academies engaging more than 12,000 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men each day.
These academies support young men to stay connected to school, community and future opportunities. The Foundation's proven model focuses on building confidence, strengthening cultural identity, fostering leadership, encouraging positive relationships and promoting healthy lifestyles, helping young men feel supported, respected and empowered to shape strong futures.
The partnership has also created practical pathways into employment, including worksite visits, mentoring, work experience, cadetships and direct employment. This support helps young men transition confidently from school into work or further study.
An independent 2025 evaluation by Social Ventures Australia demonstrated the success of Clontarf's programs, with 88 per cent school retention and 82 per cent Year 12 completion among participants, as well as significant gains in capability and wellbeing.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive and Australia Country Head Matthew Holcz said: "For young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, having people walk alongside them as they build skills, confidence and resilience makes a real difference, at school, in work and in their communities.
"Clontarf has shown what's possible when you back young people to believe in themselves. We're proud to have played a part in that over the past 18 years, not only because of the education outcomes delivered, but the lasting positive change it helps create.
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