Government Contributes $5m To Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal Centre Of Excellence
Port Adelaide has received $5 million from the Shorten Labor Government to assist the club in establishing its proposed Aboriginal Centre of Excellence.
The Aboriginal Centre of Excellence will be dedicated to helping young Aboriginal students from all over South Australia prepare for life after school, by partnering with educational institutions and future employers.
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.
Port Adelaide chief executive, Keith Thomas, said: “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.
“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.
Mr Thomas has not set a timeframe for the development but said he hoped to see some form of work in 2020, the club’s 150th anniversary year.
