New Clontarf staff from across Australia participated in the Foundation’s national staff induction in Perth last week, taking part in a structured program designed to support a clear understanding of Clontarf’s work, responsibilities and operating environment.
Held at Claremont Football Club over two days, the induction brought together staff from a range of roles and regions. The program focused on ensuring new staff are well prepared for their roles within academies and supported to work appropriately with schools, families and communities.
Across the induction, staff took part in sessions covering Clontarf’s values and behaviours, duty of care obligations, academy planning and reporting, employment pathways, partnerships and staff wellbeing. Practical activities and group discussions were used to reinforce expectations around professionalism, consistency and safe practice across all academies.
A key component of the induction was ensuring staff understood both the importance of their individual role and how their work sits within the broader organisation. Sessions were led by experienced Clontarf staff who shared practical insights drawn from working in academies and supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men over many years.
The induction also included a Cultural Understanding session led by Clontarf veteran Jeff Hardy and Troy Gordon, NSW Operations Manager. Delivered in an open and respectful setting, the session provided staff with the opportunity to listen, reflect and ask questions. Jeff and Troy shared their personal experiences and discussed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the impacts of history and why cultural understanding is essential in the work Clontarf undertakes.
The session reinforced the importance of cultural safety and respectful engagement, and the responsibility staff hold when working alongside academy members, families and communities.
Clontarf Founder and CEO Gerard Neesham said the induction was an important step in preparing staff for the expectations of the role.
“It was humbling to meet such a committed and thoughtful group of new staff,” Gerard said. “There was a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine willingness to understand the work, the standards expected and the environments they will be working in.”
