Paynter Dixon has announced a major partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, pledging $150,000 over three years to support a national program which improves the prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

The Clontarf Foundation helps young men to attend school, finish year 12 and enter employment.

Through ‘academies’ established within school campuses, Clontarf staff mentor and counsel students on a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues while the school caters to their specific education needs.

Academy activities span leadership, well-being, life-skills and sport. Upon completing school, graduates are helped to find employment with a specialist employment officer.

Since commencing in Western Australia with a single academy in 2000, the Foundation has grown to 140 academies across Australia, with close to 10,000 participants.

Paynter Dixon’s funding will be used to support the provision of student places in Clontarf Academies, with a focus on the Shalvey Academy in Western Sydney, Orara Academy in Coffs Harbour, and a third academy in regional NSW.

“We are delighted to partner with the Clontarf Foundation and help young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth embrace their path to disciplined, purposeful and healthy lives,” says James Boyd, Executive Chairman of Paynter Dixon.

“Paynter Dixon shares the Foundation’s strategic approach to long-term investment and capacity building in the community.”

“As a business with over 100 years of history, we take our role in the community very seriously and support all opportunities which empower the next generation of leadership to develop not only their workforce skills but as people within the community.”

“Our partnership will strive to expand outcomes by developing strong relationships with the students, academy staff, and the partners and communities supporting the program.”

Paynter Dixon employees will have the opportunity to participate through the Clontarf academies, contributing their skills and knowledge to a range of activities, from guest presentations and training programs to awards nights and regional carnivals.

The company will also work with the partnered academies in Western Sydney, Coffs Harbour and regional NSW to host workplace tours where interested students can learn about employment and career pathways in the construction industry.

“The Clontarf Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Paynter Dixon,” says Gerard Neesham, CEO of the Clontarf Foundation.

“The partnership will not only support our existing operations and allow the Foundation to open new academies, but it will also provide academy members with vital development opportunities and employment pathways for when they complete school.”

Learn more about the Clontarf Foundation.