Kimberley Clontarf Shield highlights Partner focus

Written on the 19 March 2018

The annual Kimberley Clontarf Shield has again been a massive success, thanks largely to the staff from the West Kimberley Academy.

Year 7- 9 students from Karratha, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Beagle Bay and Djarindjin Lombadina descended upon Broome for a football carnival that rewarded their ongoing performance in high-priority aspects of school life including attendance, positive behaviour, doing their best with their school work and also participating in local academy training sessions.

Whilst the carnival was played in the typical Clontarf spirit of sportsmanship that has become synonymous with these events, it was the added value of interaction with regional community partners that has elevated the carnival to the next level.  The pre-shield training session at Gantheaume Point on Tuesday evening that included a barbecue cooked by Broome's Rotary Club was a great way to welcome the visitors to Broome, with an official 'Welcome to Country' led by the West Kimberley's newest staff member Shaun Gregory.  Also supporting the training session were local Norforce officers, who arrived in their 6 wheel G wagon, as well as the Mercure's Craig Kelmar and Apprenticeship Support's Karen Sterrett.

During Wednesday's football action there was a strong presence from local partners including the Broome Police, the Shire of Broome, Garnduwa, Broome Senior High School and Saint Mary's College, the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, Headspace, the Broome Chamber of Commerce, Broome Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting as well as Casey York and Tendai Mzungu from the Fremantle Dockers' Next Generation Academy. 

On the journey home, a number of the Clontarf Academies also engaged in numerous worksite visits to learn about the range of potential jobs they may consider post-school.  Bunnings, Kimberley Quarries, Broome Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting at the Broome International Airport and the 'Closing the Gap' health expo all generously hosted students on site.

It is fantastic to receive so much support from so many businesses and organisations within our region, and the time and effort provided is greatly appreciated.  Partnerships at a local, regional and national level greatly assist the success of the programme, creating opportunities for Clontarf students well into the future.