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Followmont honoured to play role in improving young lives

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Followmont Transport is set to support national not-for-profit organisation, the Clontarf Foundation, improving the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

The 12-month partnership which launched this week, sees Followmont contributing $75,000 to assist the Clontarf Foundation’s mission of providing education and employment opportunities to young men from communities across Australia.

Followmont’s managing director, Mark Tobin, was joined by Clontarf’s partnerships manager for Queensland, Anthony Mitchell, at their Eagle Farm head office in Brisbane to officially announce the new partnership.

A key focus for Followmont Transport is its commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference in people’s lives, explained Tobin.

Tobin said that he and the board of directors are passionate about “building a better future for the next generation and using profit for a purpose.”

“Personally, it’s what gets me out of bed each day, striving to provide opportunities, pathways, job security, prioritising diversity and adopting new sustainable practices, all so we can build a better future,” he said.

“We are honoured to contribute to this incredible foundation that is making a significant difference to so many lives.”

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Clontarf’s partnerships manager for Queensland, Anthony Mitchell, far left, and some of the foundation’s students get a tour of the Followmont operation at Eagle Farm.

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

Launched in 2000 with a single academy located at the Clontarf Aboriginal College in Waterford, WA, the programme catered for 25 students and was operated by two staff members, including founder and current CEO Gerard Neesham.

More than 20 years on, the foundation operates 148 academies in WA, NT, QLD, NSW, VIC and SA, supports more than 11,000 participants and employs over 560 dedicated staff members.

Through the use of supportive relationships and environment, the boys develop improved self-esteem and confidence which enables them to participate in education, employment and prepare for their future.

Since 2000, Clontarf has helped more than 6300 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men complete Year 12 and find employment.

Many of them have gone on to have successful careers, purchase property, start their own young families and maintain healthy and fulfilling lives.

Commenting on the work of the foundation, Tobin said he was impressed with Clontarf’s program and connection at grassroots level.

“Witnessing their approach and meeting some of these young men myself, I was blown away by the warmth, enthusiasm, and energy, not only of the boys but the team behind Clontarf,” said Tobin.

“They have created an amazing model that sees these great young men receive mentoring and support to help them successfully transition through school to the workforce.”

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