Clontarf Boys Academy

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The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate more meaningfully in society.

The Clontarf Foundation commenced in 2000 with a single academy located at the Clontarf Aboriginal College in Waterford, WA. The programme catered for 25 students and was operated by two staff members, including founder and current CEO Gerard Neesham.

More than 20 years on, the Foundation operates 161 academies in WA, NT, QLD, NSW, VIC and SA, supports more than 12,500 participants and employs over 600 dedicated staff members.

The calibre of people that Clontarf employs is paramount to our success. They are hardworking, passionate and completely dedicated to helping the young men in our programme to achieve their full potential. Our academies are staffed with full-time mentors who possess a wealth of life experience and come from diverse backgrounds.

Clontarf Team

Tommy Patel > Director Newcastle Academy
Grady Slocombe > Operations Officer
Sheldon Tovio > Operations Officer

Newy Marlins Newsletters

Clontarf Academy Information

Tommy Patel

I was born in Fiji and moved to Sydney with my family at the age of five. I’ve spent most of my life in Sydney, but I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel around the world.

Over the past five years I lived in Western Australia with my wife, where we welcomed our two children into the world and began my journey with Clontarf. In 2024 I joined the Geraldton Academy as an Operational Officer.

Choosing to join Clontarf Foundation was an easy decision; I’ve always had a passion for helping people and strongly believe in the Foundation’s mission and the positive impact we can make in the lives of the boys in our programs.

I’m grateful to now be the Newcastle Academy Director at NHS and look forward to continuing the great work the Foundation and NHS have built together to improve educational and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men.

Grady Slocomber

I was born and raised in country western Victoria before relocating to Geelong to pursue further studies. I have worked in disability/social mentoring roles and most recently spent several years in Neurological rehabilitation.

Most recently my partner and I moved to Newcastle and I joined the Clontarf Foundation at the end of 2025 at Newcastle High School as an Operations Officer.

The school and Academy has been very welcoming and supportive during the relocation and transition for both me and my partner.

I am very excited to be apart of the Newcastle Clontarf Academy and NHS team and I am eager to see our boys develop in their lives, as both students and as people.

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