OREANDA-NEWS. Rio Tinto announces new A$1.1 million commitment to the Clontarf Foundation over the next three years supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and year 12 qualifications around Australia.

Since first partnering with the Clontarf Foundation in 2008, and with the renewal of the partnership Rio Tinto’s total financial contribution to the Foundation will exceed A$11 million.

This announcement is in line with the Federal Government’s funding announcement which will effectively double the Clontarf Foundation’s reach to 10,500 participants by the end of 2020.

Rio Tinto managing director Joanne Farrell said “We are really pleased to be renewing our successful partnership with Clontarf Foundation to help continue the work right across the country.

“By working alongside the Clontarf Foundation, State and Federal Government’s we are seeing positive change and real outcomes within Indigenous communities throughout Australia,” Joanne said.

Rio Tinto has employed well over 50 Clontarf graduates across Iron Ore, Dampier Salt, Argyle Diamonds, Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) and the Gove Bauxite operations.

Founder & CEO of Clontarf Foundation Gerard Neesham said “With this new commitment, Rio Tinto will remain our largest corporate partner and also one of the leading employers of our year 12 graduates.

“We are extremely proud that our partnership with Rio Tinto will continue for another three years, particularly as we embark on a period of enormous growth,” Gerard said.

Attending the announcement today, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said “I am pleased Rio Tinto have renewed their commitment to the Clontarf Foundation following the Federal Government’s increased funding as part of its 1967 Referendum 50th anniversary Indigenous education package.

“The results Clontarf Foundation have been able to achieve, highlights just what can be accomplished when not-for-profit organisations work in partnership with government, industry, Indigenous people and communities,” Nigel said.