Brewarrina Central School celebrated a decade for their Clontarf Indigenous Boys Academy on Tuesday 8 November, with an awards night at the school hall to celebrate some of the great work their students had achieved over the past 12 months.

The community turned out to congratulate this year’s Clontarf’s graduates including Mythys Grant, Jayden Johnson, Brodie Walsh and Koby Bennett who are proving they are ahead of the game, demonstrating initiative and persistence.

In particular Mythys networked with local employers to secure employment outcomes, even before they had officially graduated.

Not only did Mythys lock in a job for himself, but he also enticed others to join him in the workforce, supported by Max Jeffries and the team at the Friendly Grocer who signed up the young school leavers. 

“I would like to sincerely congratulate the four Year 12 boys who have completed their HSC in 2022 and have graduated from Brewarrina Central School this month," said Mr Shaun Graham, Principal of Brewarrina Central School.

"The last couple of years have been tough on all students, in trying to maintain a focus on their education during difficult times, and it is an incredible achievement for Brody, Kobi, Mythys and Jayden to be able to have the resilience to complete their secondary education."

ABOVE: Graduates Mythys Grant & Jayden Johnston Missing: Koby Bennett, Brodie Walsh

The celebration was extra special as it marked the 10th year for Clontarf in Brewarrina.

Based on the number of attendees and with "incredible" community support, Brewarrina is proud to have such a valuable program.

The event was also an opportunity to acknowledge and hear from the men who work to support the teenagers involved in Clontarf's programs.

Uncle Charlie McHughes has been a strong mentor for the entire ten years and an encouragement for so many children.

“I’m real proud to watch these boys go all the way through school," said Uncle Charlie.

ABOVE: Charlie McHughes and Doug Gordon touch on their highlights for the year.

There had long been a call for a local to lead this program with those involved noting positive benefits since Doug Gordon stepped up into the Interim Director role.

“To see these young men graduated is such an accomplishment for their lives and not only for them for our academy to see for young men come through as leaders and also leaders within this program. It’s great to see young Aboriginal men really standing up and making themselves accountable," Mr Gordon said.

“Clontarf Academy aims to provide students with opportunities to develop improved self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to participate in education and employment. Thank you to the teachers who have supported you on your learning pathway. I wish the boys all the best in their future endeavours," said Mr Graham.

ABOVE: Liam Trapman and Michael Trapman receive their academic awards

The returning Alumni from past years were another big hit for the evening with prior graduates mentoring and supporting this year’s students.

With a local team of leaders, returning Alumni, and motivated team of students, community members say they look forward to some big changes in Brewarrina in the years ahead.

In recent years there has been a huge spike in the boys graduating, however this has highlighted the unfortunate decline in the number of girls finishing Year 12 at Brewarrina Central School.

With plans for a new girl’s program to incorporated into the school there are renewed hopes for positive results similar to those on display for the Clontarf Indigenous Boys Academy.