At the Clontarf Foundation, the health and wellbeing of our young men are paramount. Every year, Clontarf Academies across the country conduct comprehensive health checks to support the prevention, early detection and treatment of common health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These checks are part of our commitment to improving the lives of the young men in our program by encouraging them to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.
The annual health checks (715 health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) are an essential part of Clontarf’s Wellbeing pillar. They are about more than just a doctor’s visit. These checks provide a crucial opportunity for boys to engage with health professionals, learn about healthy lifestyle habits and address any concerns they may have. Each academy partners with local health services to offer a tailored, supportive experience for all participants.
Let’s take a closer look at recent health check days at our Endeavour, Matraville and Townsville Academies.
Endeavour Academy and Matraville Academy: A Joint Effort for Better Health
This year, Endeavour Academy hosted the boys from Matraville Academy for a joint health check day. With the support of the Bulbuwil team and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, seven doctors were on hand to carry out the checks and offer advice. Throughout the day, boys participated in conversations with health providers positioned around the school hall before their one-on-one GP consultations to complete their 715 health checks.
In addition to the medical care, the event was filled with activities that promoted healthy living. One highlight was the Bike and Blend station, where the boys rode stationary bikes to blend their own berry or mango smoothies – turning exercise into a fun and nutritious snack opportunity.
Townsville Academy: Partnering with Local Health Providers
At Townsville Academy, the annual health check event was organised in collaboration with the Townsville Aboriginal & Islander Health Service (TAIHS). Held over two days during Term 3, this event allowed the boys to meet with local health professionals and learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
After completing the initial screening process with nurses, the boys had consultations with doctors and participated in educational sessions. One standout session was led by Alex from Deadly Choices, who provided valuable insights into smoking cessation and the harmful effects of second- and third-hand smoke. These educational components emphasised the importance of making informed choices for long-term health.
Townsville Academy’s health check days fostered a deeper connection with local health practitioners, encouraging boys to take pride in their health journey and reinforcing the message that community health services are valuable and accessible.
