Rio Tinto extends Clontarf partnership for five years
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and the Clontarf Foundation have extended their long-standing partnership for a further five years, continuing a collaboration aimed at improving education, wellbeing and employment outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. The partnership, which began in 2008, has supported Clontarf’s expansion from 17 academies and 1362 participants to a national network of 161 academies engaging more than 12,000 young men each day. Clontarf’s academy model focuses on supporting young men to remain engaged in education while building confidence, leadership and cultural identity, alongside promoting healthy lifestyles and strong community connections. The partnership has also contributed to the development of employment pathways, including worksite visits, mentoring, work experience, cadetships and direct employment opportunities, aimed at supporting transitions from school into further study or the workplace. Rio Tinto said an independent 2025 evaluation by Social Ventures Australia reported school retention of 88% and Year 12 completion of 82% among participants, alongside gains in capability and wellbeing. Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive and Australia country head Matthew Holcz said the partnership reflects the impact of sustained support for young people across education and employment pathways. “For young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, having people walk alongside them as they build skills, confidence and resilience makes a real difference, at school, in work and in their communities” he said. The renewed agreement will continue to support Clontarf’s national network and its focus on education engagement, personal development, and employment readiness.
