Over 70 Year 12 academy members from across Perth and its surrounds gathered at the Clontarf Foundation’s Central Office in Bentley for a special networking event, marking the opening component of the group’s 2026 Year 12 Leadership Camp.
Academy members in attendance represented Belmont, Butler, Cecil Andrews, Champion Bay, Ellenbrook, Fremantle, Geraldton, Gilmore, Girrawheen, Kent Street, Kiara, Northam, Scotch, Swan View and Yule Brook Academies. They were joined by more than 100 Clontarf staff, partner representatives and special guests, including Hon Kate Doust MLC, representing the WA Government, and the Federal Member for Swan, Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas MP.
The annual event, which is replicated in regions around the country, provides an opportunity to recognise academy members as they enter their final year of secondary school while introducing them to Clontarf supporters, industry partners and potential employers who play an important role in post-school pathways.
The event was emceed by Yule Brook Academy 2025 alumnus Tuanna Teio, who opened the morning by reflecting on his time in the program and his recent transition into an automotive apprenticeship with Clontarf partner Komatsu. His introduction was followed by an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Ellenbrook Academy Year 12 Academy Member Wayne Bromfield and a brief Q&A session with two Year 12 academy members, hosted by Champion Bay Academy Director Justin Mallard.
Clontarf CEO and Founder Gerard Neesham congratulated the young men gathered and highlighted the importance of completing Year 12 and the positive impact it can have on their future pathways.
“This leg of the education relay is the most critical,” Gerard said. “It sets you up for a long and successful future. This year can have its ups and downs, but if you get to the end of the year, your future is going to be supported by all these people around you. People who want to support you to have a long career and terrific future.
“The sky is the limit for you young men. So work hard and stay focused, and remember that if you need support or are considering a change in employment, there is a very big team behind you. Whether you are 20, 25 or 35, if you need support, you know where we are. And if you want to come back and celebrate what you have achieved, please do that too. You will become part of our alumni, who are a great group and ready to give back to the younger generations.”
Gerard also acknowledged the important role Clontarf partners play in supporting academy members to achieve success.
“To our partners, thank you very much for your support. You are partners, not sponsors. You are an integral part of our work to shift the dial. It is a pretty big dial so it takes every bit of this whole community to make the shift.”
Following the Bentley event, academy members will travel to regional locations where they will spend several days planning for the year ahead. The camp provides an opportunity for participants to set personal and collective goals, commit to completing their secondary schooling and strengthen the teamwork required to complete their final year together.
The Foundation congratulates the young men on their journey to date and thanks the partner representatives and special guests who attended to recognise this important milestone.
