Jessica Mauboy was today announced as Ambassador for the Titans 4 Tomorrow’s three Indigenous Sporting Chance Girls Academies which will have 300 participants from the Surat Basin, Gold Coast and Tweed River regions.
Jessica will join World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson and Preston Campbell as the combined face of the Titans 4 Tomorrow Academies.
The Academies are an initiative under the Federal Government’s Sporting Chance Program and will be supported by major corporate partners Origin, Santos GLNG, the National Rugby League and the iSelect Gold Coast Titans.
The announcement was welcomed by the Hon Peter Garrett MP, Minister for School Education, Minister for Early Childhood and Youth.
“The Gillard Government is providing $630,000 over the next year to establish these three new Sporting Chance Academies,” said Mr Garrett.
“We are determined to close the gap between the education results of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and that’s why we are investing in programs we know lift results.
“Titans 4 Tomorrow have demonstrated their commitment and capacity to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and we welcome these new and exciting projects.
“Having Jessica Mauboy as an Ambassador for the Titans 4 Tomorrow Indigenous Girls Sporting Chance Academies will send a positive message to all Indigenous girls that they too can live their personal dreams.
“Jessica’s personal achievements reflect all that young people, and in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, can achieve and can become the leaders of tomorrow in their communities.
“ The fact that she will be supported by World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson shows the power of sport to engage with Indigenous youth and inspire them to achieve their own goals.
“ It’s also great to see the Titans working with Origin Energy, Santos GLNG and the National Rugby League to all show their support for the program.”
In thanking the Minister Titans 4 Tomorrow Chairperson and prominent Indigenous barrister, Joshua Creamer, further acknowledged the support of the corporate sector in establishing the programs.
“Titans 4 Tomorrow is committed to contributing to the future economic independence of Indigenous communities as part of Federal Government’s campaign to Close the Gap of Indigenous disadvantage,” Mr Creamer said.
“This would not be possible, however, without engagement from the corporate sector and we particularly acknowledge the support of Origin, Santos GLNG as well as the National Rugby League in bringing these Academies to fruition.
“I would like to particularly acknowledge Origin’s support of the ‘I Can’ program in the Surat Basin, which enabled Titans 4 Tomorrow to contribute to the improved school attendance and academic performance of Indigenous students
“The fact that Origin and Santos GLNG have joined forces in the delivery of the Girls Academy in the Surat Basin shows a willingness to develop industry-led models that maximise real outcomes for the communities they work in.
“We hope this partnership will provide a template for further collaborative models across the corporate sector.”
Origin spokesperson, Rebecca Pickering was pleased to see the ongoing development through the program announcement.
“The Indigenous Sporting Chance Girls Academy builds on the work we started with T4T last year in developing the ‘I Can’ program, to empower Indigenous students in the Surat and Bowen Basins to complete year 12 and pursue further education, training and employment opportunities,” Mrs Pickering said.
“We see this latest initiative playing a valuable role in helping our indigenous youth to reach for the stars, and realise their potential.”
Vice President Santos Queensland Trevor Brown said the program is another way Santos GLNG is fostering Indigenous education and training.
“To date the Santos GLNG Project has delivered more than 170 Indigenous opportunities and we’re committed to providing career opportunities through school-based traineeships, apprenticeship and cadetship opportunities in the areas in which we operate,” said Mr Brown.
Australian Rugby League Commissioner Dr Chris Sarra thanked all parties for their continued support of the NRL and its vision to work with Indigenous communities.
“The game has made significant advancements in supporting its Indigenous players and their commitment to their own communities,” Mr Sarra said.
“I thank the Federal Government for its continued partnership with the game and welcome Origin and Santos to this exciting new venture.
“I congratulate Titans 4 Tomorrow for establishing the Girls Academies, which reinforces the message that the game is equally committed to girls and women in its reach to make a real difference to the communities it serves.”
Titans 4 Tomorrow Ambassador Preston Campbell summed up the sentiments of all.
“I welcome Jessica to our team as well as my good friend Joel Parkinson,” he said.
“If in working together we can change the life of one individual we will be one step closer to the shared dream of a better future for all our kids.”
