The 18-year-old was hailed a Clontarf Foundation success story during NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet’s 2018-19 NSW Budget speech on Tuesday.

In announcing $3.75 million to establish new Clontarf Academies throughout the state, Minister Perrottet specifically named Wyatt as one of the many boys to have benefitted from the program which aims to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

“One of the biggest barriers to success for young Aboriginal Australians is whether they finish high school,” Minister Perrottet said during his budget speech.

“It’s a challenge the Clontarf Foundation has been working to overcome for 18 years. Offering a mix of mentoring, social and health support – and lots and lots of footy.

“Often these young men have confronting stories, like 18-year-old Wyatt who moved to Moree after losing his mother and grandmother.

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“He says: ‘I arrived an angry young person who thought at the time I was heading to jail – or even worse, end up dead. I might have slipped away if I didn’t have help from Clontarf’.

“Today Wyatt has the HSC behind him. Two jobs, a car, and a place of his own. 

“On the weekends he plays footy for his local Aussie rules team and his local rugby league team.

“Thanks to Clontarf, that’s one young life that didn’t slip away.”

Wyatt was brought to the attention of the Treasurer by Clontarf NSW zone manager Brendan Maher, who gave Minister Perrottet the names of 10 Clontarf success stories. Of those, the Treasurer chose Wyatt’s story to highlight.

“Wyatt is one success story of many,” Mr Maher said.

“Clontarf is really proud of the Moree Academy and what it’s achieved, and proud of our partnerships with the school which is a great supporter of the boys and their families.

“We couldn’t have done it without our partnerships with schools.”

Wyatt himself was blown away by the recognition and said it “was pretty cool”.

“It’s pretty good to be recognised, it’s awesome,” he said.

The budget funding will provide spaces for an additional 1,000 students to be part of the Clontarf success story.

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While it’s unclear exactly where that funding will go at this stage, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the money will not only be used to establish new Clontarf Academies, but it could also be used to create additional places in existing locations.

Mr Marshall said this is great news for the Clontarf Foundation which has a proven track record in his electorate.

“It certainly has been very well received and works incredibly well in Moree and Inverell,” he said.

“Each school and each community is different but it is certainly a model that has worked very well in our area and this will enable them to continue that great work.”

Wyatt is testament to the Moree Academy’s success.

“I probably wouldn’t have made it through [years] 10 to 12 without it,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the best parts of school; getting everyone to school and helping out where they can.

“It’s just an awesome program – if you qualify to be in it, definitely jump on it and get amongst it.”

Moree Clontarf Academy director Eric Faulkner said there has been many success stories like Wyatt who have gone through the program.

“Success is they finish the HSC and get employment,” he said.

“It’s just great seeing kids coming to school and getting up and training.”

And, after overcoming a difficult period of his life to finish the HSC and get a job to support himself, Wyatt is now a role model to other young boys going through a tough time.

“A lot of the boys see the angry kid he turned up as and the amazing man he is now,” Mr Faulkner said.