For the first time in the program's 16-year history, 35 students from the APY Lands will take part in the carnival. Image: Michael Sullivan.

OVER 500 First Nations students from 62 schools across metro, regional and remote South Australia will this week complete the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, and for the first time in the program's 16-year history 35 students from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands) will take part in the carnival. 

Power Community Limited’s (PCL) industry leading program is celebrating another milestone this year with the not-for-profits partnership with naming rights partner, Santos, reaching a milestone 15-years.

Santos’ partnership with PCL’s Aboriginal Power Cup commenced in 2008 and has since played a significant role in the growth of the program from 133 students and eight schools, to over 500 students and 62 schools across the state.

The collaboration between Santos and PCL has meant the program is now recognised as a key factor in helping close the gap, which now sees 96 per cent of First Nations students who enrol in the program complete Year 12.

More than 500 First Nations students from 62 schools across metro, regional and remote South Australia will participate in the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup. Image: PAFC.

Aboriginal Programs Manager of PCL, Braedon Talbot credits Santos for contributing to the significant growth of the program across the 15-years.

“Since 2008, Santos’ unwavering support of the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup as the naming rights partner has unlocked incredible opportunities for us to considerably grow the program and consequently making a genuine impact on the lives of young First Nations students,” Mr. Talbot said.

“We’re incredibly proud of the program, which is delivered in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA).

“When the program commenced, we were visiting 8 schools. 15 years later, we’re in the classroom of 62 schools across the state, including the APY Lands.

Santos’ partnership with PCL’s Aboriginal Power Cup commenced has since played a significant role in the growth of the program, which now includes students from the APY Lands. Image: Michael Sullivan.

“The program explores and embraces Aboriginal culture and is designed to address National Closing the Gap targets aligned to health, wellbeing, education, employment, and economic participation.

“We’re not only committed to students completing their education, but carving out tangible career pathways for them when they complete school.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Santos for their partnership. We couldn’t conduct and grow the program in the way that we have, and will continue to do, without their support.

“We have big plans for the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, and I look forward to working with Santos to bring them to life”.

More than 500 program participants will take part in a cultural dance before Yartapuulti’s (Port Adelaide) clash with Narrm (Melbourne) on Friday, May 19 under lights at Adelaide Oval.