Clontarf academy for Perth’s northern suburbs

By PETER ROWE

Butler College in Perth’s northern suburbs will become the 41st Clontarf Academy in Western Australian public schools, the State Government has announced.

The Clontarf Foundation aims to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, enabling them to participate more meaningfully in society.

“Butler College was selected for an on-site Clontarf Academy due to its clear commitment to supporting the number of Aboriginal students enrolled at the school,” Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said.

Based on the five pillars – education, leadership, wellbeing, employment, and sport – the Clontarf Academy program is about developing the values, skills and abilities that will help students transition into meaningful employment and achieve better life outcomes.

The Department of Education established a five-year agreement with the Clontarf Foundation to the value of $45.7 million from 2020 to 2026.

“There are more than 50 male Aboriginal students at Butler College who will benefit from the establishment of this new academy,” Dr Buti added.

“The program builds on the passion that these male students have for sport, while keeping them engaged, and learning in their school setting.”

In 2024, the Clontarf Foundation Academies supported approximately 2,320 Aboriginal male students – 1,975 secondary school students and 345 primary school students.

Butler College currently operates a Stars Foundation Academy, providing support for Aboriginal girls and young women.