On Saturday an exciting collaboration between Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) and Central Australian Football Club – Redtails/Pinktails was officially launched, fittingly, during the Central Australian footy finals.
The Right Tracks program was originally set up and run by volunteers led by local native title holder Ian McAdam and Rob Clarke through the Redtails/Pinktails Central Australian Football Club. Now, through a new partnership with Congress and the ADF, it will be brought to even more young people in Alice Springs and surrounding remote communities, working directly with each male and female football club and local softball and netball clubs.
Right Tracks aims to educate and assist in health and wellbeing, tobacco, alcohol, violence and sexual health education and treatment, job ready mentoring, work experience, language and culture, whilst using sport as the means to engage. Through mentoring, the youth accessing the program are groomed into role models, leaders and mentors for their own communities, to create change.
Through the support of Congress and funding agreements with the Australian Drug Foundation and Department of Health Northern Territory Government, 3 Sports Health Promotion positions were created within Congress’ Health Promotion Section to undertake this exciting work. The team has now been formed, including founding volunteer Ian McAdam, who is joined by Darren Talbot and Sarah Carmody.
Congress CEO Donna Ah Chee said of the program “Congress is excited to join Redtails/Pinktails and the ADF in delivering the Right Tracks program in Alice Springs and to our remote communities.
“This program has the right people and the right support from key stakeholders, including the CAFL, to assist with the complex issues shaping the health of young people through empowerment and mentoring, as well as improved access to essential health services and information.”
The ADF’s Northern Territory Manager, Margie Fahy had to say “Working on the ground across a range of local communities, this partnership is delivering prevention projects tailored to the needs of the area.
“The Australian Drug Foundation commends Central Australian Aboriginal Congress for their strong leadership role within this community partnership.”
The program was launched by the Hon. Dale Wakelfield MLA, Minister for Territory Families who was proud to do so on behalf of the Hon. Natasha Fyles, NT Minster for Health.
ADF’s Head of Program Delivery, Allan Casse also contributed to proceedings, which were witnessed by an audience of important guests including Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech, Commonwealth and Olympic marathon runner Robert De Castella as well as important members of the local and Territory football and sporting communities.
Media Contact: Kate Buckland 0408 691 741
