After a rewarding 26-year journey establishing and growing the Foundation into the extraordinary organisation it is today, I have advised Chair Tom O’Leary and our Board of my intention to retire as CEO of the Clontarf Foundation in mid-2026.
It has been the greatest privilege of my life to work alongside so many of you in building Clontarf and in helping to positively influence and change the lives of thousands of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
From our humble beginnings with a single academy at Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth in 2000, to the 162 academies we now operate across the country, we have never lost sight of our purpose: to improve the outlook for young men and provide them with the same opportunities that many others take for granted.
While I will be stepping down as CEO and from the Board, I will continue to be available in a part-time Founder role for a period, supporting the new CEO and executive team as required. The Board has been working for some time on a succession plan and will now undertake a formal process to appoint the next CEO. I am confident this will enable a seamless transition and secure Clontarf’s future.
I would like to acknowledge some key people and supporters:
- Ross Kelly, our Founding Chairman, whose wisdom and guidance created the framework that allowed Clontarf to grow into a national organisation.
- Craig Brierty, who has stood alongside me for most of this journey, and the many directors who have contributed so much over the years.
- Our government and corporate partners, whose commitment extends beyond financial support. Your genuine partnerships and shared ambition to improve the lives of young men and strengthen communities have been essential.
- Our dedicated staff, past and present, whose tireless work in academies and across the organisation has been central to our impact.
- And most importantly, the thousands of young men who have been Clontarf members. Your stories of success, resilience and contribution to your communities are the true measure of Clontarf’s legacy.
This year, for the second year running, more than 1,000 young men will complete Year 12 through Clontarf. That achievement speaks volumes about the collective effort of our staff, partners and the young men themselves.
I look forward to continuing in my role until mid-2026 and to staying connected with many of you during this period. Together, we can ensure Clontarf remains a powerful force for positive change in the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and their families for many years to come.
– Gerard Neesham OAM, CEO and Founder, Clontarf Foundation
