SeaLink Marine & Tourism Partners with Clontarf Foundation to Empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth

SeaLink Marine & Tourism is delighted to announce a new three-year partnership with the Clontarf Foundation. This partnership aims to bolster the education, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Australia.

The Clontarf Foundation, which operates over 150 academies nationwide and engages approximately 11,500 students, is dedicated to improving the life outcomes of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Through mentorship, guidance, and a focus on discipline and life skills, Clontarf empowers these students to succeed academically and transition smoothly into employment or further education.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism offers marine transport and tourism services and experiences across Australia. Having a strong connection to the communities we operate, including many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across multiple states and territories, SeaLink is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and offering tangible opportunities to Clontarf students.

Commenting on the partnership, Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, said, "We love that this partnership resonates with our national presence and our dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Clontarf Foundation provides an outstanding opportunity for us to engage purposefully, creating pathways for young men in these communities to thrive."

Mark Riley, Director of the Clontarf Foundation, shared the mutual benefits of this collaboration, stating, "SeaLink’s involvement enables us to offer our students real-world opportunities, from worksite visits to employment forums and even job placements within SeaLink's diverse business units, career opportunities and destinations all around Australia. The synergy between our organisations is evident, and together, we can make a significant and meaningful impact to the lives of our students."

The partnership is already yielding positive results, with Clontarf Academy students working within the SeaLink’s South Australia and Northern Territory operations.

“These real-life success stories are just the beginning, as the collaboration between the Clontarf Foundation and SeaLink Marine & Tourism promises to create even more opportunities for young men across Australia,” Ms Gauci said.

Through this partnership, SeaLink Marine & Tourism and the Clontarf Foundation aim to create lasting change, providing the support and opportunities needed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth realise their potential.

During NAIDOC Week this year, SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s parent company, the Kelsian Group, proudly launched the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Classified at the 'Innovate' level by Reconciliation Australia, this RAP marks a significant step in the organisation’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Find out more information on the Kelsian RAP here.

Learn more about the important work of the Clontarf Foundation here.