CAREERS

We employ people with a high level of passion, initiative and energy who come from diverse backgrounds such as teaching, trades, social/justice work and professional sport.

Interested in working with us?

There are many benefits to joining the Clontarf team:

  • The opportunity to work in some of the most unique locations in Australia
  • Being part of an organisation that is constantly growing and learning
  • Having a direct, tangible impact on the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men

If you are considering a career with the Clontarf Foundation, please complete and submit the following Expression of Interest Form and one of our team members will be in contact with you.

Candidates with relevant experience working with young people will be highly regarded.

All expressions of interest will be treated with the strictest confidence to protect your privacy.

Contact us

Clontarf Foundation Central Administration
McKay Street, Bentley
Western Australia 6102
(08) 9356 2500
[email protected]

Our People, Our Progress: A Decade of Growth at Clontarf

Over the last ten years, the Clontarf Foundation has grown significantly, not just in scale, but in the depth, capability and leadership of our people. From 211 staff in 2015 to more than 600 in 2025, our team has expanded to support thousands of young men across Australia.

As Clontarf has grown, so too has the diversity and capability of our staff. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a steady rise in people choosing long-term careers with the Foundation, from Operations Officers and Academy Directors to Regional Managers and senior leaders.

Since 2015, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation has grown from 77 staff to 275, now making up 45% of our national workforce. This steady rise reflects our long-term commitment to creating meaningful employment pathways, developing local talent and ensuring our academies are connected to the communities they serve.

Our Commitment Going Forward

While we are proud of our progress, we are even more excited about what’s ahead.

Clontarf is continuing to:

  • invest in training, qualifications and leadership development
  • support staff to grow their careers in the communities they love
  • build a pipeline of future leaders across every Zone
  • create new pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to advance into senior roles

Interested in working with us?

There are many benefits to joining the Clontarf team:

  • The opportunity to work in some of the most unique locations in Australia
  • Being part of an organisation that is constantly growing and learning
  • Having a direct, tangible impact on the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men

If you are considering a career with the Clontarf Foundation, please complete and submit the following Expression of Interest Form and one of our team members will be in contact with you.

Candidates with relevant experience working with young people will be highly regarded.

All expressions of interest will be treated with the strictest confidence to protect your privacy. 

Staff Profiles

Joel Parsons
Christian Philpot
Cam Ilett
Joel Marama
Scroll to Top

Joel Parsons

General Manager – Development

“Every day we’re at work, we’re improving the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men around the country.”

Joel’s Clontarf journey began in 2016 as Academy Director at Singleton Academy, where his passion for helping young men realise their potential quickly became evident. Since then, he has advanced through roles including Development Officer, Greater Sydney Regional Manager and NSW Operations Manager, before stepping into his current position as General Manager – Development.

In this role, Joel works with schools, education departments and communities interested in establishing new academies, ensuring each one is founded on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving outcomes.

“Knowing and understanding that you are part of something much bigger than what’s happening in your own community is very empowering,” he said. “It reminds you why we do what we do.”

Before joining Clontarf, Joel spent a decade in the NSW Police Force as a Youth Case Manager, where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing young people and the importance of consistent guidance and support.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at the beach, watching live sport and cheering on his favourite footy team.

Christian Philpot

Regional Support Officer

Christian Philpot has been with the Clontarf Foundation since May 2017, beginning as an Operations Officer at Bentley Park Academy in Cairns, QLD. He later served as Director at Dalby Academy before relocating to Weipa in 2021 to help establish the Western Cape Academy.

During his time in Weipa, Christian worked closely with the Western Cape Communities Trust (WCCT), supporting quarterly presentations, strengthening relationships with Traditional Owner groups and ensuring the academy was aligned with local community priorities. He describes this period as a highlight of his career, given the depth of partnership, cultural connection and community engagement required to launch a new academy successfully.

Christian has now returned to Cairns as a Regional Support Officer, bringing with him the experience and insight gained from across his Clontarf journey.

“The role of Academy Director at Western Cape was incredibly rewarding,” Christian reflects. “I was responsible for ensuring our Year 5–12 boys achieved their best, supported by a dedicated team and a strong community. The work was challenging at times, but always meaningful.”

Christian’s motivation continues to come from watching boys grow into confident young men, and he values the teamwork and adaptability that underpin Clontarf operations.

Before joining Clontarf, he worked across several fields, including Cairns Regional Council, personal training and hotel management.

Cam Ilett

Partnerships Manager NT/SA/VIC

“Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. When you build strong connections, you create opportunities for young men to thrive.”

Cam Ilett joined the Clontarf Foundation in 2009 as an Operations Officer and quickly became a trusted and respected member of the team. In 2010, he was part of the pioneering group that launched the Jabiru Academy in the Northern Territory—a formative experience that shaped his commitment to supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

Over more than 15 years with the Foundation, Cam has contributed across multiple roles, including Academy Director and Regional Support, before moving into his current position as Partnerships Manager in South Australia. In this role, he works closely with government, private and philanthropic partners to help sustain and expand Clontarf’s programs.

“At its core, my work is about building meaningful relationships—whether that’s with our young men, their families, our staff or the partners who help make Clontarf possible,” Cam said. “Seeing the positive impact of those relationships is incredibly rewarding.”

Before joining Clontarf, Cam worked across a range of industries including civil construction, warehousing, distribution and construction.

Joel Marama

Director – Western Cape Clontarf Academy, Weipa, QLD

Joel Marama has been part of the Clontarf Foundation for eight years. He began his journey as Operations staff at Bentley Park College in Cairns and has since progressed to Director of the Western Cape College Academy in Weipa, where he leads the team supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men across the region.

As a proud Indigenous man from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait, Joel brings deep personal insight to his role. His own experience in high school fuels his approach to working with academy members.

“I understood how important it was for me to have support during high school,” Joel said. “The challenges many of my peers faced then continue to affect their lives now. That’s what drives me every day — to make sure I am maximising my impact so our boys can have that success alongside their families, schools and community.”

Working in a remote community presents distinct challenges. Many students who attend Western Cape College live in nearby Napranum, just a short drive from the school, yet consistent engagement can be difficult. Attendance is a particular focus, with family obligations, transport barriers and competing pressures often affecting participation.

Joel and his team prioritise strong relationships — with both the boys and their families — to build trust and ensure each academy member feels supported and connected to school.

A milestone that never loses its impact for Joel is watching the Year 12s cross the stage, confident and ready for their next step.

“Seeing the boys graduate never gets old. It’s the moment everything clicks, all the work, all the growth.”

He is also proud of the academy’s ongoing partnership activities, which continue to create opportunities and experiences for the young men in Weipa and surrounding communities.

Before joining Clontarf, Joel gained experience across youth work, labouring and construction. Away from work he enjoys fishing, hunting, playing guitar and spending time with his family. And despite the challenges of remote delivery, it’s the boys’ energy that keeps every day rewarding.

“Seeing our boys smile. Some of the students at WCC are super cheeky and humorous.”