NEWS Archive | Page 5 of 8 | Johnathan Thurston Academy

New partnership provides opportunities for Indigenous jobseekers

Young indigenous jobseekers will be given access to opportunities as part of a new two year partnership between the Johnathan Thurston Academy and Australian gold mining company Evolution Mining. Applications of interest are now being accepted.

Under the partnership, indigenous youth aged between 16 and 25will be able to access the education and employment opportunities available at four of Evolution’s regional operations – Mt Carlton and Cracow in Queensland, Cowal in NSW and Mungari in Western Australia – through the Academy’s website.

“We are committed to maximising local and Indigenous employment opportunities wherever possible,” Anika McManus, Evolution Mining Group Manager External and Indigenous Relations explained.

“And we are excited about our partnership with the JTAcademy as their programs will help remove some of the barriers we identified that were preventing some locals from applying for roles.

“Supporting people in the communities in which we operate to competitively apply for jobs, not just with us, but with any company, will benefit both the community and Evolution.

“Targeted training and support around writing job applications, compiling a resume and, importantly, having the confidence to attend and succeed in a job interview, will help more people access available jobs and to have fulfilling careers.”

Thurston said the partnership had the potential to meaningfully change the lives of some who will receive work and training through it and he called on young people to register their interest.

“This partnership has been designed to allow young people in regional communities to get a leg up not just through training and employment, but even through the confidence-building which comes with that,” Thurston said.

“The Academy has been developed to help youth across Australia have more opportunities, and partnerships like this allow us to provide additional support for indigenous youth, especially those in remote and regional communities.

“But if they are to take advantage of the opportunities which are being provided, youth need to get a little pro-active and register their interest to be part of the program. It’s easy. They just need to go to the website: http://jtacademy.com.au/evolution/.”

Thanks Lendlease for joining us on this journey

More than four years ago we commenced the planning and development of the Johnathan Thurston Academy with a clear vision of supporting young people to succeed in employment, education, health and wellbeing.

When having conversations with various corporates, it was always our goal to partner with companies and organisations who share the same values and are like-minded in caring for their people and their community.

At our very first meeting with Lendlease, we knew immediately that we were two like-minded organisations and shared values of respect, integrity, collaboration and trust. What we didn’t realise at that meeting was that Lendlease would soon become our Major Employment Partner – and more so treat us and look after us like family.

Lendlease is a property and construction company with global expertise in shaping cities and creating strong and connected communities. Chief Executive Officer for Lendlease Building, Dale Connor, recognised an opportunity to partner with the JTAcademy to help influence the training and employment outcomes for young jobseekers across Australia.

“When we met with Johnathan, Academy Director Sam Ayoub and General Manager Samantha Johnson, we immediately recognised a clear alignment of objectives,” Connor said of the partnership.

“Both the Academy and Lendlease are committed to supporting the local communities in which we operate whether it is through employment, training or engagement with small to medium enterprise.

“We shook hands on it at the time agreeing Lendlease would be there for the Academy and we have been true to our word. We are proud of the work we have done together and the opportunities it has created.”

JT said the Academy was very much a start-up when the first meeting with Lendlease took place.

“The support and trust from Lendlease meant the world to myself and my team. It is a partnership that will forever remain as our very first. Lendlease backing us was a pivotal point in our journey. Forever grateful.

“We knew exactly what we wanted to achieve, but we also recognised that to achieve it, we needed strategic corporate partners who could help us walk-the-walk and not just talk-the-talk,” Thurston said.

“Samantha literally drew a mud map of the partnership using stick figures at our first brainstorming meeting with Lendlease. We have kept those drawings because they remind us of our humble beginnings and what we set out to achieve – to make a meaningful and very real difference in the lives of young Australians.

“We have achieved a lot in just a couple of years and we could not have done that without the support of Lendlease.”

JT said the partnership with Lendlease had opened several doors to additional employment partners which would not have been accessible otherwise and they have also facilitated introductions to organisations which have become sponsors, supporters and partners.

When Lendlease added a link to its website to the JTAcademy’s job board, visitor numbers to the site went through the roof opening doors for new generations of youth to access opportunities to learn and work.

“The solid foundation we have been able to build is thanks to the generosity and support of Lendlease, and means we are now looking to launch an ambitious new youth and diversity employment program at the end of 2019 – JT2020, which I know will be a game-changer for employment,” Thurston said.

“We are excited about what we have already achieved and even more excited about our plans for the future to help more youth in more communities.”

Visit our website and read more here.

JTBelieve Every Day Counts – Term 2 Winners

The Johnathan Thurston Academy is very excited to announce the first cohort of winning classes as part of the JTBelieve Every day counts pilot delivered in partnership with the Department of Education.

Each participating school recognised one class for their Term 2 attendance performance. Every student from the winning classes will receive a JTBelieve Award letter, as well as a Certificate, personally signed by Johnathan Thurston.

A special mention to Baralaba State School who was the overall winner of the participating schools. Each student from their winning class will also receive a JT Academy pack consisting of a bag, cap, water bottle, postcard and notepad.

“I would like to congratulate all the students, parents, carers and teachers from the winning classes for their ongoing commitment to their education,” Johnathan said.

“To Baralaba State School a special shout out for leading all schools to be the major prize winner for Term 2”

“I hope everyone enjoys their upcoming holidays and we can’t wait to celebrate the Term 3 winners later in the year”

The winning classes were:

School	Class
White Rock State School	Class Prep B
Baralaba State School	Class 1/02
Parramatta State School	Class 3A
Balaclava State School	Class 1A
Innisfail State School	Class 5/6G
Mossman State School	Class 6B
Eidsvold State School	Class 3/04
Tagai State College – Thursday Island	Class 6A
Tagai State College – Badu Island	Class 4/5
Kuranda District State College	Class 10A

Note –The JTBelieve Every day counts pilot is about supporting and encouraging students to believe in themselves and turn up – every day. The Every day counts campaign comprises animations and comic books. Have a look for JT himself, featured in The new adventures of Jimmy and Sam the Dog animation and comic book.

JTEverydayPeople – meet Lagaau

Lagaau is not like most girls her age. Sure, like any other teenager she enjoys music, sports, spending time with friends and family and planning/organising things, but through her life Lagaau has had to overcome a great many difficulties “I have gone through depression at one point in life and it was one of the hardest and darkest times of my life. I would never go through a day without crying. I would cry every morning when I’m in bed, every night when I’m going to sleep, and every time I had time to myself. I constantly had distressing thoughts when I’m out of home, especially in school.”

Lagaau is currently in year 11 at Woodridge State High School and is finding school “really hard and challenging”. Not having all the resources you need for school at home is a great struggle for any student, but combined with leaving your homeland and everyone you know to adapt to a new life would be a great burden on many people. “Having to leave my home country, Samoa, at the age of 10, for New Zealand was very heartbreaking. Having to leave everyone I knew and adapting to a new life and environment was hard. Not knowing how to speak English and constantly moving schools four years in a row, a different school each year, slowed my education down even more.”

But despite such hardships and difficulties with the English language, Lagaau is driven to work hard for what she wants. “School motivates me to keep going and keep doing the best I can. It reminds me that everything is possible when we put our hearts and minds into it and that there is always a way to achieve a goal. It may not come as we expected, but as we work hard, we will eventually achieve it.”

When asked about her goals for schooling Lagaau said proudly that she is “hoping to pass all my subjects by the end of the school year and have a great work network after I graduate high school.” After school, she aims to attend University to study a bachelor degree in Social Work or a double degree in Behavioral Science (Psychology) and Social Work.

With such a profound interest in social work, Lagaau told us that she aims to be a social worker focusing on young people in high schools or a mentor at an NRL club. “I am passionate about helping young people and I love helping others whenever I can. I love putting a smile on someone’s face and I do this by joking with them, sharing my experiences with them, and helping them with whatever they need.”

Through her hardships, Lagaau has learned many life lessons that she wishes to share with others. “Through the time of my distressing thoughts, I kept reminding myself not to harm myself. I kept asking myself ‘Why would I do this to myself?, ‘What would my family and the people around me feel?’. But I always knew that life is way more precious than anything else. I always knew that this dark hour of my life will change me in how I see others and will turn me into a stronger person than I was before. Never forget that you will become a better and stronger person in the end and that you will inspire others through your experience. It is never too late to change your current mindset. Facing difficulties or hardships will not bury us down but rather make us stronger than what we can ever imagine.”

Such profound words from a young woman in grade 11. Lagaau’s story is a powerful example that you can overcome anything, and like the JTWomenToLead motto says ‘Girls Can Do Anything’.

If you or someone you know would like to talk to somebody, help is available from:

Kids Helpline: Free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Available 24/7 Call: 1800 55 1800 Website: kidshelpline.com.au

JTAcademy is helping to make every day count at school

The Johnathan Thurston Academy is very excited to be part of a pilot school attendance initiative in partnership with the Department of Education.

The JTBelieve Every day counts pilot is about supporting and encouraging students to believe in themselves and turn up – every day. The Every day counts campaign comprises animations and comic books. Have a look for JT himself, featured in The new adventures of Jimmy and Sam the Dog animation and comic book.

Twenty-two schools in Queensland have been invited to participate in this pilot.

As we know, there is an inextricable link between school attendance and success at school – and in later life. Turning up to school every day takes a team effort.

For this reason, the JTBelieve Every day counts pilot is implemented at a class level – rewarding the class in each school with the highest or most improved attendance rate over the term. This classroom-based approach fosters a supportive, encouraging environment among the students and school community. It also builds school-wide awareness of the importance of school attendance and creates a healthy sense of competition.

“When I played footy it was my teammates, coaches, family and friends who all contributed to the success of our games,” Johnathan said.

“School attendance is like that – it takes a team effort: students, teachers, family, friends and the principal. That’s why the initiative is designed around a ‘team concept’,” he said.

Only one class can win from each school with the Principal responsible for nominating one class from their school that they feel has best demonstrated the consistently highest attendance or most improved school attendance over Term 3.

Every student from the 20 winning classes will receive a JTBelieve Award letter, as well as a Certificate, personally signed by Johnathan Thurston. Two overall winners across the 20 classes will receive a special pack with Johnathan Thurston Academy branded materials.

Johnathan Thurston lifts spirits in Balonne

Australian football legend Johnathan Thurston joined forces with Balonne Shire Council to celebrate the region’s youth and community during a three-day extravaganza on August 26, 27 and 28, 2019.

JT and his team from the JTAcademy delivered workshops to primary and high school students from the local and surrounding areas designed to build self-esteem, confidence and believe in themselves.

Students took part in the academy’s JTSucceed and JTBelieve programs, both designed to encourage students to stay at school, value an education and believe they can be successful in a career of their choosing with the right support.

JT also played footy with local children, took part in a Fundraising Dinner and a farm tour and provided some motivational thoughts to employees from Balonne Shire Council.

Balonne Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Fiona Gaske said JT’s visit lifted the whole community, particularly given the recent difficulties the region has experienced through the drought.

“JT being in our community was a gift because he spoke to people of all ages and from all walks of life. His appeal was universal and his message so timely for us. It was a privilege to collaborate with the JTAcademy in an event that I know transformed lives,” she said.

“The work of the JTAcademy is renowned for helping youth and our younger residents really enjoyed the workshops.”

JT Academy’s Managing Director Johnathan Thurston said he was thrilled to see so many people from the region take part in activities during his visit, with numbers far exceeding those predicted.

“Our programs have been designed to encourage kids to believe they can have a bright future, regardless of their circumstances today,” Thurston said.

“The program, in partnership with the Balonne Shire Council, focused on a number of key youth issues and worked in conjunction with the wider community.

“It was great to get out and meet with as many residents from the area as possible who I know have been doing it tough of late.

“I would like to particularly thank Balonne Shire Council, the Primary Health Network and the South West Hospital and Health Service for their support of this visit.”

For more information please call Sarah Morgan (JT Academy) on 0421 664 969 or Julie Davies Balonne Shire Council on 0476 660 047.

Evolution Mining partners with Johnathan Thurston Academy to offer employment and training opportunities

The Johnathan Thurston Academy has signed an exciting two year partnership with Evolution Mining, an Australian gold mining company, to help improve access to employment and training opportunities for local and Indigenous jobseekers aged between 16 and 25 across regional Australia.

Evolution is a relatively young company, which has quickly evolved into a globally relevant gold mining business with a reputation of delivering value for all stakeholders. Having won various awards for community, safety and operational excellence, Evolution is committed to growing their people and their communities, as they grow.

The partnership will be implemented in September at four of Evolution’s operations – Mt Carlton and Cracow in Queensland, Cowal in NSW and Mungari in WA – with a view to potentially extending the programs to other operations in future years.

The partnership, while promoting job vacancies and training opportunities, will also assist local and Indigenous participants by preparing them to be job ready, building self-confidence and developing skills in resume writing, job interviewing skills and submitting job applications.

“We are committed to maximising local and Indigenous employment opportunities wherever possible,” Anika McManus, Evolution Mining Group Manager External and Indigenous Relations explained. “And we are excited about our partnership with the JTAcademy as their programs will help remove some of the barriers we identified that were preventing some locals from applying for roles.

“Supporting people in the communities in which we operate to competitively apply for jobs, not just with us, but with any company, will benefit both the community and Evolution.

“Targeted training and support around writing job applications, compiling a resume and, importantly, having the confidence to attend and succeed in a job interview, will help more people access available jobs and to have fulfilling careers.”

Johnathan Thurston, Managing Director of the JTAcademy said partnerships, such as the one they have entered into with Evolution Mining, go a long way to equipping Indigenous youth with the skills and confidence needed to apply for work.

“The work we are doing at the Academy has been very successful in helping all youth in remote, regional and metropolitan areas around Australia access jobs and training they probably wouldn’t otherwise have access to,” Thurston said.

“While our purpose is to help as many people as we can, there is a sustained focus on offering additional support and opportunities for Indigenous youth, especially those in regional and remote communities.

“Our partnership with Evolution Mining has enormous potential to create great employment and training opportunities, which can help to significantly increase the options available for youth in regional Australia. And that’s exciting to us.

“This aligns perfectly with everything we stand for and we thank Evolution for coming on board and helping us achieve this.”

For more information please call Sarah Morgan on 0421 664 969.

What’s on JT’s bucket list?

When JTAcademy Managing Director, Johnathan Thurston, got a call from Major Events Company (MEC) earlier this year he knew he was in for a treat. Something exciting always happens when JT’s phone rings and this time was no different, with MEC offering JT the opportunity to achieve one big tick on his bucket list. A three day trip to the NFL Super Bowl in Miami in 2020.

“I’ve been able to do some amazing things in my life and 2019 has certainly been a time of big achievements, with a new addition to my family and some really great projects happening at the JTAcademy” Thurston said.

“I’m always telling the kids I meet to dream big and follow their passions, because with enough effort and self-belief they can achieve anything.”

Now JT gets the chance to fulfil one of his own dreams by travelling with MEC, and a select few lucky ticket holders, to host a three day NFL Super Bowl extravaganza. It’s the biggest event on the US sporting calendar and some of the hardest tickets in the world to access.

MEC is laying on an exclusive tour that would tick every box of even the most ardent sports fan. Throughout the trip there are a variety of pre-game activities, concerts, celebrity events, memorabilia and a welcome dinner hosted by JT.

“The Super Bowl definitely has a wow factor and I can’t wait to kick off 2020 by ticking this awesome event off my bucket list alongside the group of MEC Miami tour sports fans.” Thurston said.

Thurston will be hosting the three day exclusive private tour which promises to be the trip of a lifetime.

To find out more and to join JT in ticking the 2020 NFL Super Bowl off your bucket list visit MEC here.

Johnathan Thurston to join Balonne’s youth extravaganza

Australian football legend Johnathan Thurston has partnered with Balonne Shire Council to celebrate the region’s youth and community with a three-day extravaganza on August 26, 27 and 28, 2019.

JT and his team from the JTAcademy will deliver workshops to primary and high school students from the local and surrounding areas designed to build self-esteem, confidence and believe in themselves.

Students will undertake the academy’s JTSucceed and JTBelieve programs, both designed to encourage students to stay at school, value an education and believe they can be successful in a career of their choosing with the right support.

JT Academy’s Managing Director Johnathan Thurston said he was really excited to bring the academy to the area.

“We are really looking forward to visiting the community and talking directly with the kids as part of these exciting programs,” Thurston said.

“The program, in partnership with the Balonne Shire Council, works on a number of key youth issues and works in conjunction with the wider community.

“I’m also looking forward to getting out and meeting with as many residents of the area, who I know have been doing it tough of late.”

There will be a meet and greet with Thurston between 4.30pm and 6.30pm at Rowden Park, school workshops, a fundraising dinner and motivational sessions.

Balonne Shire Mayor, Richard Marsh, said the region was buzzing with the news that JT was coming to town.

“In these hard times of drought, a visit by someone such as JT is just what is needed to lift the spirits in our community,” he said.

“The work of the JTAcademy is renowned for helping youth and I’m sure our younger residents will really enjoy the workshops.

“I would like to thank JT, the JTAcademy, Primary Health Network, Regional Development Australia and the South West Hospital and Health Service for their support of this visit.”

For more information please call Sarah Morgan (JT Academy) on 0421 664 969 or Julie Davies Balonne Shire Council on 0476 660 047

Johnathan Thurston runs workshops at Mount Isa schools and takes part in Isa Street Festival

As part of the Isa Street Festival, Mount Isa City Council partnered with the Johnathan Thurston Academy to deliver workshops to hundreds of local students and Indigenous leaders at two local high schools, August 6 and 7, as part of a celebration of local youth.

Australian footy legend Johnathan Thurston visited Mount Isa with staff from the JTAcademy as they deliver the JTSucceed workshop over two days at Spinifex High School and Good Shepherd High School.

The JTSucceed workshop helped to build confidence, courage, self-belief, well-being and good mental health, with cyber bullying a focus for this workshop.

The JTAcademy was founded in 2018 to help Australian youth have access to education and training to help them secure meaningful employment, and this starts with building their self-confidence, self-believe and motivation.

JT Academy’s Managing Director Johnathan Thurston said he was really thrilled about how the visit went.

“I was really excited to bring the JT Academy and our JTSucceed workshop to Mount Isa and be part of the local festivities in partnership with Mount Isa City Council,” Thurston said. “We had been really looking forward to the visit and it was great to be so warmly welcomed by the Mt Isa community and be able to talk directly with the kids about issues which impact them.”

Mount Isa City Council Mayor Joyce McCulloch said valuable lessons were shared by the JT Academy to 160 students at Spinifex Junior campus, including 20 Indigenous leaders, 118 Year 8 and Year 9 students at Good Shepherd Catholic College and 25 Flexible Learning Centre students.

“It is more important in a remote city such as Mount Isa that we talk about these issues so we can increase awareness of appropriate actions that this community can take and the support available, particularly for parents.”

JT also personally presented a signed Maroons jersey to the winner of a Facebook competition run by Mt Isa City Council.

“We are headed to Balonne in late August to deliver programs to students there at the invitation of Balonne Shire Council,” Thurston added.

“And I can’t wait!”

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/2KwnyLoMtIsa

If you are interested in having the JTAcademy deliver tailored programs to your school, community or staff, register your interest at the Academy here: http://jtacademy.com.au/jt-community/