Share
Supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people to complete school and build pathways into employment and further study is behind a new partnership between Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation and Kinetic IT.
The news comes at an important time as the nation celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week.
The two First Nations organisations work in parallel: Clontarf Foundation runs academy programs for young men while Stars Foundation delivers full-time, in-school mentoring for girls and young women across more than 80 primary and secondary schools in every mainland state and the Northern Territory.
Stars Foundation currently works with more than 4,000 students, with 90% of Year 12 participants completing their final year in 2025. Stars Foundation has grown at 20–25% annually for three consecutive years, driven by requests from communities, Elders, families and school leaders.
Stars Foundation Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard said:
“We’re delighted to partner with for Kinetic IT as this helps the organisation mentor and empower First Nations young women across Australia to complete school and make active choices towards realising their full potential.”
Clontarf Foundation currently works with more than 12,000 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, including more than 1,000 Year 12 academy members, across 161 school-based academies nationally.
Since commencing in Perth in 2000 with a single academy supporting 25 boys, Clontarf has supported more than 9,000 Year 12 completions, with more than 80% of graduates engaged in employment and/or further study in their first year after school.
James McNamee, Chief Executive Officer of Clontarf Foundation, said:
“We are pleased to partner with Kinetic IT to create practical opportunities for Clontarf academy members to learn more about the technology sector and the broader world of work. This support will help young men build confidence, explore future pathways and make informed decisions about life after school.”
Kinetic IT Chief Strategy Officer Murray Thompson AM CSC, Executive Sponsor of the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan, warmly welcomed the partnerships.
“These partnerships sit close to home for us. We work in communities right across the country, and we know that the strength of those communities depends on young people having real pathways into education and work. Stars Foundation and Clontarf Foundation have spent years building trusted, in-school relationships that get results – we are proud to back this work.”
Community Engagement Manager Christine Victor said Kinetic IT and both foundations had forged connections based on shared values and a desire to give back to Australian communities.
“Partnering with both foundations means we’re investing in outcomes for young men and young women across the same school communities. Both foundations have shown what’s possible when mentoring is consistent, in-school and led by people communities trust.”
Stars Foundation Founder and CEO Andrea agreed:
“At the heart of the Stars Foundation is our commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women have the same opportunities as boys, with direct access to mentors and education programs that are built around culture, community, and wellbeing.
“Together we are championing gender equity and equal opportunities for First Nations girls, while building confidence and life skills.”
The organisations plan to host a range of collaborations including workplace engagements giving students exposure to careers in technology and the broader workforce.
Kinetic IT has existing relationships with a range of First Nations organisations including business connector Supply Nation, STEM education charity DeadlyScience, and the Noongar Chamber of Commerce in Perth-Boorloo.
Visit Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation websites for more information.
Find out more about careers at Kinetic IT.
