$4.5 million over three years will be invested by the Palaszczuk Government to help lift academic outcomes for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in more places.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad said the extra funding would be delivered through the FOGS ARTIE Academy.
“During ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week and on the eve of another State of Origin showdown, we’re kicking even more goals for Indigenous education,” Ms Trad said.
“The $4.5 million over three years will see the ARTIE Academy, an initiative of Former Origin Greats (FOGS), expand to a further 20 state primary schools across Queensland.
“It’s a program getting results and the Palaszczuk Government believes it will continue to achieve solid educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“ARTIE (Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education) is another important step by the Palaszczuk Government in helping to close the gap on educational outcomes.”
Origin Great and FOGS Director Gene Miles said the ARTIE Academy was founded and named in honour of Origin legend, the great Arthur Beetson OAM.
“Artie was the first Indigenous captain of an Australian national sporting team and he was passionate in his belief young First Australians should get the education they need to aim high, “Mr Miles said.
“The FOGS ARTIE Academy has high expectations of effort, behaviour, achievement and commitment, and we encourage our students to celebrate their success.
“Arthur Beetson’s legacy has boosted school attendance and, where needed, delivers one-on-one tutoring support.
“We have the wins on the board but imagine what we can do with another 20 state primary schools and $4.5 million from the Palaszczuk Government over three years.
“This is a cracking result for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and for closing the gap on disadvantage.
“Funding for the program is wonderful news that continues Artie’s legacy of empowering the lives of Indigenous kids,” Mr Miles said.
The ARTIE Academy is now in its 10th year at Marsden State High School.
“The ARTIE Academy has had a massive impact across our student groups,” Marsden State High School Principal, Andrew Peach said.
“The relationships that have been formed by the Education Coordinators have been very valuable in helping encourage our kids to get to school and to be successful once at school.
“Effective, meaningful and well respected by the community, sums up Marsden State High School’s experience with the ARTIE Academy.
“As Queenslanders we’re proud of our Origin greats on the field and they’re making just as big an impact in our school community too”
Ms Trad said currently 17 state high schools and five state primary schools were involved in the ground-breaking FOGS ARTIE Academy.
“And, it will now be expanded to a further 20 state primary schools,” Ms Trad said.
“These are Queenslanders being supported and inspired to reach their full potential off and on the football field, and with this funding more younger students are set to benefit,” Ms Trad said.
“By putting additional support into primary schools, the ARTIE Academy will help Indigenous students to engage at a younger age and assist with the transition to high school.”
The ARTIE Academy was founded in 2010 and named in honour of Origin Great, Arthur Beetson OAM, who is considered the best post-war forward in Australian Rugby League history.
A fundamental vision of the academy is to inspire, encourage, celebrate successes and provide academic assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in literacy and numeracy.
Artie Beetson passed away in 2011, aged 66.
