Mark Weston — Warrnambool Academy, 2010 Graduate
When Mark entered Year 12 at Brauer College, his family was confronted with his mum’s cancer diagnosis and a sudden relocation to Melbourne for treatment. At the same time, Clontarf launched its first Victorian academies — and Mark became one of the first participants. With three academy mentors supporting him through school, family pressures and uncertainty, Mark finished Year 12 and stayed connected with Clontarf long after graduation. Over the past 15 years he has remained deeply involved — speaking at events, mentoring boys, helping with partner functions and reconnecting with staff across states as his career has developed. Mark credits Clontarf with helping him build confidence, resilience and pride in his culture, and says the program has continued to be there for him well beyond school.
Letter — in Mark’s own words
“My school journey was, as I saw it at the time, pretty standard. Go there in the morning, learn what I can and hang out with mates. I enjoyed my time through school, particularly the structure and the consistency. Entering year 12, my family received the news that my mum had been diagnosed with cancer and would be temporarily moved to Melbourne (3.5 hours North-East of my home town) to receive her treatment. At the time that was the biggest challenge I had faced and unknowingly to me, the support I needed was about to start at my school.
2010 was the first year of Clontarf academies in Victoria. Starting their first year at a new school that had never held an indigenous based program before, I’m sure it would have been a daunting task. However, everyone involved with the program could see that this program was set up in such a way to give young indigenous boys the support and confidence they needed to thrive. I was no exception to this. While my mum was receiving her treatment, my father was working full time as well as caring for my mum. During this time, my 3 Clontarf mentors Mick Riddle, Graham Twaddle and Trinity Handley ensured that my focus remained on my education while also helping me navigate the emotions that came with my personal and family struggles.
Although my time being a student involved in the Clontarf academy was only for 1 year, my journey with Clontarf has transcended my school life and continued throughout the years into my everyday life. Since graduating in 2010, my Clontarf journey was only just beginning. Through recommendations from my Clontarf mentors, I was able to attend the Billard Blank Page Youth Summit in Beagle Bay in 2011, combatting youth suicide in remote indigenous communities. In addition, every year since finishing my schooling, I have also been invited to my old academy for a school visit to meet some of the new academy members, talk about my experiences post school and attend the end of year graduation, where I am lucky enough to present some awards to the students.
In 2021 I made the move from country Victoria to Adelaide, South Australia to pursue growth in my work. I was able to reach out and connect with some of the South Australian Clontarf directors, one of whom I was familiar with from my school days back in Victoria, Graham Twaddle. They helped me pick up right where I left off in Victoria by involving me in many Clontarf based events. I have designed Victoria’s state of origin football jumpers, MC’d an employment forum, attended an executive lunch and spoke at many partner meetings.
Clontarf not only encourage education and employment, they encourage self growth, confidence in yourself and your culture, promote being proud of where you’re from and instil all the characteristics you need to succeed both professionally and personally. Clontarf are there when you need direction and reassurance, but most importantly to me, they are there when you need a friend, even for me 15 years removed from school.
I will always have Clontarf to thank for being such an important part of my journey and continuing to help shape the person I am today.“
