The Federal Government has supported the education of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout Queensland, with a new $1 million investment in an academy run by the Former Origin Greats (FOGs).
The commitment to the Achieving Results Through Education (ARTIE) Academy, will transform lives and empower young Queenslanders to achieve their dreams.
The ARTIE Academy, operated by FOGs, will harness the attraction of rugby league and partner with schools to improve school attendance, provide mentoring support and promote literacy and numeracy forAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in South East Queensland.
This $1 million in new funding for the next two years follows previous $1 million investment in the Former Origin Greats' 'At Work Indigenous Tutoring and School Attendance Project'.
Executive Chairman of Former Origin Greats Gene Miles welcomed the announcement, made with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in attendance.
"I am delighted that the Federal Government has committed extra funding to continue the legacy of my friend the late, great Arthur 'Artie' Beetson," Miles said.
"Arthur was a man who fought with courage for his people to be acknowledged, respected and valued as First Australians.
"He was a man who always believed in the absolute need for young First Australians to be educated, to finish school and to be employed."
"This boost in funding will enable the ARTIE Academy to assist an extra 1300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, supporting them with school attendance, mentoring, cultural activities and one on one tutoring."
The ARTIE Academy already has a strong presence across Queensland – including Morayfield State High School and Tullawong State High School.
This announcement will extend their work to other schools such as Bribie Island State High School.
Beetson – a rugby league legend and driving force behind the success of State of Origin - was the first Indigenous captain of an Australian national sporting team.
