Afternoon Reception in Support of the Clontarf Foundation

Twenty-fifth Governor-General and twenty-fourth Governor of Queensland, and Clontarf Foundation’s Life Patron, the  Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce; CEO, Mr Gerard Neesham; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; young men of the Clontarf Foundation Academies.

As Kaye and I welcome you all here to Government House, we acknowledge, with respect to Elders, the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbul and Jagera peoples.

We were delighted to receive last year a request from Mr Neesham to host a reception to acknowledge the expansion of the Clontarf Foundation into Queensland; it was a request we accepted with considerable enthusiasm.

And so tonight we reflect on the Foundation’s many and varied achievements since it began in 2000 at one West Australian school with a targeted approach to addressing student disengagement through Aussie Rules – we won’t hold your football code indiscretions against you, Mr Neesham!

Of course, football – whichever code – is just the vehicle, not the main game, and the Foundation now has so refined its successful format that its presence extends to nearly 100 schools across four states and the Northern Territory, including, as we celebrate tonight, here in Queensland.

Indeed, six new Clontarf Academies began operating in and around Cairns on the first day of the 2017 school year, joining more established operations in the South and West of the State.

We also celebrate tonight the achievements of the thousands of young men who have benefited from Clontarf’s programs – up to 5,500 I believe – and we are very honoured to have with us tonight 14 current participants from the Barambah, Toowoomba, Harristown and Daly Academies.

I am sure they would want me to thank all supporters here tonight.

Governmental support is vital and I think generally it is duly acknowledged. Businesses and individuals who chose to venture into this sphere is another thing altogether, and I channel to you the utmost gratitude of the people of Queensland for your immensely beneficial contributions.

Finally, I acknowledge the work of Mr Neesham, the Clontarf board and staff, and the Foundation’s robust administration.

The Clontarf Foundation uniquely captures, and is itself emblematic, of the great and enduring Australian spirit, and in doing so it enriches us all by celebrating the vibrancy of our heritage, and promoting equality of opportunity. For that, Kaye and I wholeheartedly thank you all.