BHP partners with the Clontarf Foundation

BHP is proud to partner with the Clontarf Foundation to deliver five new Clontarf Academies in Queensland and New South Wales; committing $1.5M over the next three years.

The partnership was launched last week at Mackay State High School and will support Indigenous students through access to assistance and mentoring, and increased awareness of academic opportunities or employment pathways beyond school.

With the assistance of BHP, the Clontarf Academy at Mackay State High School is one of five new Academies to commence as part of the new partnership.

Asset President of BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) and New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC), Elsabe Muller, said the new Academy at Mackay State High School was fast-tracked to support Indigenous students returning to school in June 2020.

'The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of supporting students with the transition back to school,' Mrs Muller said.

'I wouldn't be where I am today without education, it's opened so many doors in my life. Through this partnership, we want to help remove the obstacles that prevent these young people from accessing education and realising their potential.

'We look forward to building our relationship on the ground too, particularly in communities like Mackay, where the new Clontarf Academy is only a short drive away from major BHP operations, including the FutureFit Academy and the Hay Point Coal Terminal,' she continuted.

Clontarf Foundation founder and CEO, Gerard Neesham, said they were thrilled to partner with BHP to expand the work of the Clontarf Foundation in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia over the next five years.

'With BHP's support, Clontarf will significantly grow opportunities and support services for young Indigenous men in these States,' he said.

In addition to establishing the five new academies, BHP's support will engage existing academies in our operating footprint in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, with the intent to build promising career pathways and opportunities.

BHP is committed to regional economic development and sustainability, which includes support for education pathways to employment in communities of interest, with a particular focus on Indigenous Social and Cultural support under the BHP Reconciliation Action Plan.