Happy Mother’s Day to all the special women in the lives of the young men in the Clontarf program.
In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, Clontarf academies across the country took time to recognise the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nans, carers and role models who play such an important part in the lives of academy members.
The activities varied from academy to academy, but the message was the same: gratitude, respect and appreciation for the women who support, encourage and stand beside the boys each day.
At Narrandera Academy, 15 boys visited Narrandera Bakery, where they were welcomed by Steph and the bakery team to decorate cakes for the special people in their lives. The boys learnt new skills, got creative with icing and decorations and made something meaningful to take home ahead of Mother’s Day.
Muswellbrook Academy also marked the occasion through a cake decorating activity, supported by local partner Woolworths. The junior boys carefully decorated cakes for their mothers, grandmothers, aunties, carers and other important women, with Woolworths staff working alongside them throughout the afternoon.
At Warrnambool Academy, boys made chocolate balls and prepared special gift bags to take home, with messages added before they were shared with loved ones ahead of the weekend.
Several academies also welcomed families into the academy for breakfasts and morning teas. At Endeavour Academy, the boys cooked bacon, eggs and pancakes on the barbecue, while serving coffee and tea to mothers and grandparents. The morning provided a chance for families to come together, share a yarn and spend time in the academy.
Narrabri Academy boys prepared cakes, brownies and cupcakes the afternoon before their Mother’s Day morning tea. The following morning, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nans and mother figures joined the boys in the Clontarf room for breakfast rolls and the sweets the boys had baked. Several boys also proudly gave guests tours of the academy room, explaining the program and how it operates.
At Irrawang Academy, more than 60 guests attended a Mother’s Day morning tea, including more than 30 mums. The boys served egg and bacon rolls, fresh orange juice and sweet treats, and took great pride in showing their mums, nans and carers around the academy room.
Tamworth Academy hosted a particularly special morning, with more than 120 people gathering on the front lawn. The boys had planned the event carefully, preparing food, arranging flowers and welcoming each guest personally. For one morning, they became hosts, serving tea, carrying trays and showing genuine care for the women who have supported them through school, sport, early mornings and difficult days.
Across each of these activities, the focus was not simply on food, gifts or events. It was about giving academy members the opportunity to show appreciation in a practical and heartfelt way.
Family involvement is an important part of the Clontarf program. When families are welcomed into academies, it strengthens relationships between boys, staff, schools and communities. These moments help academy members build confidence, practise respect and gratitude and recognise the people who continue to help guide them.
Mother’s Day also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the many female staff members across Clontarf who are mothers themselves. Through their work in academies, regions, employment teams and central office, they make an important contribution to the daily operation of the program and the support provided to academy members. Their commitment is deeply valued, both by their colleagues and by the communities they serve.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nans, carers, role models and Clontarf staff members across our community, thank you for everything you do.
