Clontarf boys from North Queensland and New South Wales recently took part in activities focused on road safety, responsibility and personal development. The experiences gave academy members the chance to build confidence, learn practical skills and spend time with people supporting them beyond the academy.
North Queensland Driving Day
Academy members from Kirwan, Heatley, Townsville and Thuringowa recently participated in the 2026 Driving Day in Townsville.
Delivered by the Advanced Driver Training Centre, the program provided valuable road safety education and practical driving experience. It also helped academy members prepare for gaining their driver’s licence.
Throughout the day, the boys learned about hazard perception, speeding, distraction, fatigue and responsible choices behind the wheel. They also took part in hands-on activities, including tyre changing, vehicle safety demonstrations and driving challenges in dual-control vehicles.
The boys were supported throughout the session by qualified instructors.
Year 12 Thuringowa academy member Shilo Simmons said the day was a great experience for the boys.
“Clontarf helped me get my Learner Licence, and the Advanced Driver Training Centre taught us practical skills such as how to change a tyre and how to perform an emergency brake. I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend.”
Inverell Academy members meet with NSW Police
In New South Wales, Inverell Academy members met with Western Region NSW Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs) at Copeton Dam in Inverell.
The boys were welcomed by Superintendent David Cooper from the Oxley Police District, who spoke about the importance of education and the role ACLOs play in supporting communities.
The visit gave the young Inverell men a valuable chance to speak with ACLOs from across the region. It also helped them learn more about the work ACLOs do in local communities.
Thank you to the Advanced Driver Training Centre for delivering the North Queensland Driving Day. Thank you also to Inverell ACLO Matt Cutmore and NSW Police for organising and supporting the Inverell visit.
