Port Adelaide has welcomed today’s announcement that a Shorten Labor Government will invest $5 million towards Closing the Gap in South Australia by assisting the Club in establishing its proposed Aboriginal Centre of Excellence.
The Aboriginal Centre of Excellence will help close the gap for Indigenous youth by providing an inspiring educational and cultural experience for Aboriginal students from all over South Australia.
Students will be able to reach their full potential residing either full time or in short stays at the Centre while attending school, with additional programs focused on culture and identity, resilience, wellbeing, health and fitness, respectful relationships and life choices.
The Aboriginal Centre of Excellence will be dedicated to helping young Aboriginal students prepare for life after school where it will partner with educational institutions and future employers to ensure that these students are well placed to take advantage of the employment opportunities that lie ahead in South Australia.
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas thanked the Labor Party, and Member for Port Adelaide Mark Butler, at today’s launch event at Alberton which coincided with National Close the Gap day.
“On behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club I thank the Labor Party for this pledge ahead of the upcoming Federal election. This commitment is a tremendous vote of confidence in our vision for creating this Centre dedicated to young Aboriginal students,” Mr Thomas said.
“This is an exciting announcement that will allow us to continue our vision to create future pathways for young Aboriginal people through innovation and investment in their leadership and learning.
“Port Adelaide strives to provide young Aboriginal people with the skills and knowledge they need to make a successful transition from secondary education to University and the workforce.
“The Aboriginal Centre of Excellence will provide Power Community Ltd with a dedicated space to deliver our industry-leading Aboriginal programs in a state-of-the-art environment, and to help foster reconciliation through providing cultural awareness education in the wider community.
Member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler said, “The Port Adelaide/Hindmarsh electorate has a rich tradition of strong Indigenous groups that focus on closing the gap. I’m proud a Labor Government will assist Indigenous students right across South Australia, with the centre based right here in Alberton.”
Shadow Assistant Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Senator Patrick Dodson said, “I am pleased to see the Port Adelaide Football club establish this centre.
“It will support First Nations’ students reach their full potential while focusing on cultural identity and health and well-being. These are all important priorities for closing the gap.”
