THE GIRLS ACADEMY IS THE LEADING PROVIDER OF

SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS FOR ABORIGINAL AND

TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER GIRLS IN AUSTRALIA.

THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY SINCE 2004 AND IS

FUNDED BY A COMBINATION OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE OR TERRITORY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND

CORPORATE/PRIVATE SECTOR DONATIONS.

EACH ACADEMY IS STAFFED BY A MINIMUM OF 2 MENTORS WHO WORK FULL TIME WITH THE GIRLS TO PROVIDE

AUNTIE & BIG SISTER STYLE MENTORING. APPROXIMATELY 80% OF OUR STAFF ARE INDIGENOUS WOMEN.

OUR PROGRAM IS CENTERED AROUND AN ACADEMY ROOM IN EACH SCHOOL THAT IS OPEN EVERY SCHOOL DAY. THE ACADEMY

ROOM PROVIDES A SANCTUARY FOR THE GIRLS TO CONNECT, LEARN AND PROSPER IS A SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.

OUR PROGRAM IS COMMUNITY DRIVEN AND EACH ACADEMY

IS STEERED BY LOCALLY BASED ADVISORY COMMITTEES COMPRISING OF MEMBERS FROM THE COMMUNITY,

SCHOOLS, STAFF AND SUPPORTERS.

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ABOUT RMLA GIRLS ACADEMYThe Girls Academy program, founded in 2004 by

Olympian and champion basketballer Ricky Grace

(MEdL, BPoLSc), has already helped thousands of at-risk

Aboriginal girls overcome some of the common barriers

which keep them from attending school, including

poverty, teen pregnancy, drugs, alcoholism, violence,

abuse, and a disconnectedness with their culture and

community.

The Girls Academy Program works within the school

system to drive community-led solutions aimed at

reducing these barriers that prevent Indigenous girls

from completing their education and reaching their full

potential. The Girls Academy takes girls from 12 years old

and works with them within the secondary school system

until they complete their schooling. Girls receive up to

6 years of intensive one-on-one mentoring and support

from our team of skilled field staff, 80% of which are

highly accomplished Indigenous women.

As such, the Girls Academy represents the pinnacle

of work readiness programs and our graduates are

highly sought after. Local community and stakeholder

engagement shapes our services. Our program managers,

support staff, mentors and role models are sourced from

within the local communities in which we operate.

In 2017 we are projecting a total of 2500 Indigenous girls

participating in the Girls Academy program throughout

34 schools.

Our program increases the skills, employability, mental

health and well-being of Indigenous girls throughout

Australia - providing them with better opportunities to

contribute to the social and economic outcomes of the

wider community.

Academy girls graduate our program armed with the

required knowledge, skills, and a formal plan, to transition

into post-school life. This may be further training or

education or directly entering the work force.

Academy girls are ready to make an economic

contribution to our nation and to be part of the social

change that is Closing the Gap. The Girls Academy

equips Indigenous girls with the tools required to engage

in their education, achieve their goals and change their

communities.

The single best indicator of whether a nation will succeed is how it treats its women. When women have health care and women have education,

families are stronger, communities are more prosperous, children do better in school, nations are more prosperous. If you want your country

to grow and succeed, you have to empower your women

- PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA JULY 28, 2015

I don’t know how I would cope with school and the struggles that come with life without

the Girls Academy. They’re continuously telling me I’m going to make it. They’ve said it

that many times, I’m starting to believe it. - GIRLS ACADEMY STUDENT, 2016

When we empower women and girls, we empower a

community and a nation. We empower the world.

- PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA, UNITED NATIONS UNDER-

SECRETARY-GENERAL 30 OCTOBER 2013

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Educated girls have the potential to be powerful catalysts

for change in their communities. The Girls Academy

equips girls with the tools required to achieve

their goals and become aware of their full potential.

Program activities are designed with emphasis on the ‘Big 4’ objectives to:

1. Increase school attendance

2. Advance academic and personal achievement

3. Improve year 12 graduation rates, and

4. Facilitate post-school transition planning

Approximately 2000+ Indigenous girls living in metro, rural and remote areas of Australia that are currently enrolled in the program will benefit directly, and as a result of the multiplier effect these benefits will flow to;

• Their families,

• Their communities,

• Future generations of Australians, both Indigenous

and non-Indigenous.

By improving educational outcomes, our girls have more

and better employment opportunities, which in turn

supports strong communities that grow healthy and happy

families. This ultimately results in inter-generational

change and a closing of the gap between Indigenous and

non-Indigenous measures of well-being.

Conversely, poor school attendance results in disruption

to education which often leads to failure to achieve core

skills such as literacy and numeracy. There is a strong

correlation between this and truancy, crime and risky

behaviour leading to persistent Indigenous disadvantage,

a welfare existence and widening of the gap between

Indigenous and non-Indigenous measures of well-being.

The linkage between The Girls Academy program, improved educational outcomes and a better quality of life is very strong.

The Girls Academy differs from most other programs in that we are:

• School based.

• Work in partnership with schools and their community

to significantly improve educational and social

outcomes for Indigenous girls.

• We have a dedicated, physical and permanent base

within the school: the Girls Academy Room. This is

a safe and nurturing sanctuary just for the girls to

connect with each other and with the Academy staff.

• Each Academy is staffed by a minimum of two full

time mentors (Program Manager and Development

Officer(s).

• Outcomes are reported directly to the Australian

government, the appropriate State or Territory

Department of Education and School Principal,

corporate partners and relevant stakeholders.

• We are steered by a local Advisory Committee made up

of Academy staff, Principal and school representatives,

local community and other key stakeholders.

• Each Academy provides a tailored program to

recognise local issues and priorities.

• We collaborate with other services by facilitating the

delivery of their programs, as appropriate, within the

Girls Academy program.

• We are the national provider of choice for Indigenous

Girls educational support programs

for the Commonwealth Government.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

BENEFITS EXTEND BEYOND EACH GIRL

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

PROGRAM FEATURES

Girls Academy 5 year results:

Over 5000 Indigenous girls have participated

in the program.

Year 12 graduation rates have increased

by 76%.

Academy attendance rates in the NT reached 17.6%

higher than the all Indigenous student cohort.

Year 12 enrolments have increased by 276%.

Academy attendance rates nationally sat 11.2% higher

than the all Indigenous student cohort.

All students graduate with a post-school plan with 41% intended for

further education.

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When women have access to education and healthcare, communities thrive. If their needs are met and recognised, women can be powerful forces for change in the world.

Since 2010, Nestlé Australia and Role Models and Leaders Australia have worked

together to develop and empower Indigenous Girls for improved social and

health outcomes through the Girls Academy Program.

• Both identify good nutrition as the cornerstone for physical and mental growth

• Both are committed to bringing better understanding of nutrition to communities

to help Australians care for themselves and their families

Nestlé objectives:

• Create positive impact in the communities we work in

• Develop long term community commitments to future proofing the next generation with key

focus on indigenous communities where we operate

• Empowering low-socio economic communities for improved social and health outcomes

• Support with knowledge & capability (nutrition education)

• Part of Nestlé Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

“Good Health & Wellbeing”

NESTLÉ PARTNERSHIP

MICK GOODAABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSIONER,AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

“The focus on young Indigenous women and teenagers in Australia is to be applauded, not only for taking

the initiative, but also the respectful way Nestlé has gone about building such relationships, which will

produce a long-term sustainable improvement to people’s lives.”

TERRY BOLANDPROGRAM DIRECTOR, GIRLS ACADEMY

“The support of Nestlé to the Girls Academy program cannot be underestimated. Nestlé has assisted us

to grow and build a program that is having a major impact on young Indigenous girls. With Nestlé’s support

we have made a major shift in our program to strengthen the nutrition, wellbeing and health outcomes and

implement the unique Mothers and Daughter’s program.

When we launched our partnership we acknowledged that to bring about positive changes in Indigenous

communities would require a long term and sustained effort. Nestlé have proudly supported our efforts

and have had a major impact on the achievement of our positive outcomes.”

DESIREE DELCOUREPROGRAM MANAGER, GIRLS ACADEMY - CLONTARF

“’The partnership with Nestlé has been incredibly important to the Clontarf Girls Academy program.

We have utilised the resources they have provided our academy, and been able to deliver a well designed

nutrition course to our girls each year.”

EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS GIRLS TO BE CHANGE AGENTS

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Closing the Gap refers to the urgent need to close the unacceptable gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous measures of health and well-being.

Closing the Gap is a Federal Government priority but it requires intensive and sustained efforts

from all levels of government, private and not-for-profit sectors, communities and individuals to

improve the opportunities and quality of life for Indigenous Australians.

The Girls Academy is actively working towards Closing the Gap.

WHAT IS CLOSING THE GAP?

All Figures are taken from the Prime Ministers 2017 Closing the Gap Report and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Girls Academy reduces this gap by;• Providing health Information sessions with a variety of local organisations• Nutrition workshops and healthy cook-ups• Mental Health and resilience sessions• Well-being workshops and forums• Extra-curricular fitness activities, sporting programs, training and competitions• Health checks with local health care professionals• Referral to specialist agencies when required

TO CLOSE THE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAP.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, life expectancy is approximately 10 years lower.

The Girls Academy reduces this gap by;• Providing one-on-one mentoring and support delivered by Indigenous staff• Daily school pick-up and drop-offs• Home visits and parental meetings to identify the source of attendance issues• A wide variety of extra-curricular and engagement activities • A structured attendance reward program • The Academy rooms provides a sanctuary for students; meals, study space,

support, relaxation, games area

CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS SCHOOL ATTENDANCE:

Indigenous attendance rates are approximately 10% lower than non-Indigenous (20% in remote areas).

The Girls Academy reduces this gap by;• Providing one-on-one mentoring and support• After-school homework classes• In-classroom support and teacher assistance• Literacy/numeracy sessions held during Academy time, outside of standard curriculum• Reward activities used as tangible incentives to meet academic goals• Hands-on activities to improve skills, i.e. fundraising, score-keeping, activity budgeting• Individual learning plans are put in place for each student

TO CLOSE THE GAP IN READING, WRITING AND NUMERACY ACHIEVEMENTS.

There is approximately a 2.3 year gap between numeracy and literacy rates.

The Girls Academy reduces this gap by;• One-on-one pastoral care and Individual student plans• Extra-curricular engagement activities focused on leadership• Senior school study sessions and intensive exam support• Guest speakers and role models to educate and inspire• Access to the Academy room after school hours to study and complete

assignments with staff support• Workshops/sessions centered around goal setting and future planning

TO CLOSE THE GAP IN YEAR 12 ATTAINMENT RATES:

Year 12 attainment for Indigenous students is on average 29% lower then non-Indigenous students.

The Girls Academy reduces this gap by;• Local community partnerships provide support and assistance to students• Job skills development training, career sessions and workshops• Engagement with local job networks, work experience and traineeships• Visits to career and employment expo’s and University discovery trips• Conducting mock interviews & providing interview attire• Resume writing & portfolio preparation• Establishing a post-school transition plan for every Girls Academy student

TO CLOSE THE GAP IN EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES:

The Indigenous unemployment rate is approximately 4 x higher than the non-Indigenous rate.

1. Alcohol and drug Foundation 2016. 2. Health Info Net 2016. 3.Swinburne University of Technology 2016. 4. Creative Spirits 2016. 5. Creative Spirits 2016. 6. Creative Spirits 2016. 7.Australian

Government Department of Health 2013. 8. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011. 9. Nick Parr, Macquarie University. 10. Gina Rushton, The Australian. 11. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014.

* Figure is based on the number of funded boys programs versus the number of similar funded girls programs Australia wide.

Rates 5.48% higher than mainstream rates2

TEEN PREGNANCY

Over 1/3 Aboriginal women die before they turn 454

POOR HEALTH & NUTRITION

30% of all incarcerated women are Indigenous6

INCARCERATION CYCLE

1.6 x more likely to use an illicit drug than non-Indigenous1

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Suicide rates 5x that of non-Indigenous females7

MENTAL ILLNESS

Approximately 10 years less than non-Indigenous women5

SHORT LIFE EXPECTANCY

35x as likely to be hospitalised due to family violence-related assaults3

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Many girls must cook, clean and care for siblings

DOMESTIC BURDENS

Indigenous students make up 1.3% of university population10

LACK OF TERTIARY EDUCATION

Retention rates from Years 7 to 12 are 33.2% lower8

LOW EDUCATION LEVELS

27% lower than the national average9

YEAR 12 GRADUATION RATES

Unemployment rate is 4 x higher than non-Indigenous11

LOW EMPLOYMENT FIGURES

THESE ISSUES RESULT IN;

The empowerment of the world’s women is a global imperative. Yet despite important progress in promoting gender equality, there remains an urgent

need to address structural barriers to women’s economic empowerment.

- GENERAL BAN KI MOONUNITED NATIONS SECRETARY JANUARY 2016

There is a serious gender imbalance in investment in Indigenous educational support programs.

Observations are that investment in boys outweighs investment

in girls by approximately 300%*.

There are many barriers preventing Indigenous Girls from

completing their education and reaching their full potential;

FUNDING FOR INDIGENOUS

BOYSFUNDING FOR INDIGENOUS

GIRLS

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ACADEMY LOCATIONS

KEMPSEY

TAMWORTHGUNNEDAH

TAREE

COONAMBLE

MUSWELLBROOK

DUBBO

ORANGE

ALICE SPRINGS

ROEBOURNE

FITZROY CROSSING

DERBYBROOME

KUNUNURRA

GUNBALANYA

JABIRUPALMERSTON

KALGOORLIE

PERTH

BUNBURY ESPERANCEMANDURAH

WESTERN AUSTRALIABroome Senior High School Broome

Newton Moore Senior High School Bunbury

Derby District High School Derby

Esperance Senior High School Esperance

Fitzroy Valley District High School Fitzroy Crossing

Eastern Goldfields College Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie Boulder Senior High School Kalgoorlie

Kununurra District High School Kununurra

Coodanup College Mandurah

Balga Senior High School Perth

Cecil Andrews Senior High School Perth

Challis Primary School Perth

Clontarf Aboriginal College Perth

Girrawheen Senior High School Perth

Kiara College Perth

Roebourne District High School Roebourne

NORTHERN TERRITORYCentralian Middle School Alice Springs NT

Centralian Senior College Alice Springs NT

Gunbalanya Community School Gunbalanya NT

Jabiru Area School Jabiru NT

Palmerston Senior College Palmerston NT

Rosebery Middle School Palmerston NT

NEW SOUTH WALESCoonamble High School Coonamble

Dubbo College Senior Campus Dubbo

Dubbo College South Campus Dubbo

Dubbo College Delroy Campus Dubbo Gunnedah High School Gunnedah

Kempsey High School Kempsey

Melville High School Kempsey

Muswellbrook High School Muswellbrook

Canobolas Canobolas Rural Technology High School Orange

Taree High School Taree

Tamworth High School Tamworth

Oxley High School Tamworth

There are so many opportunities that the Girls Academy provides us with. I never thought I’d accomplish so many things, and have so many positive experiences.

My favourite thing about the Girls Academy is the help I get from all the staff and the girls in the Academy, all of the sporting opportunities and learning about our culture.

This program has been my rock; it is such a positive opportunity for young girls like myself to be given.

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Since being part of the Girls Academy I am confident and aware of life after school.

“

If there were no Girls Academy here I don’t think I would have enough confidence to meet new people and succeed to finish Year 12.

“

I don’t know how I would cope with school and the struggles that come with life without the Girls Academy. They’re continuously telling me I’m going to make it. They’ve said it that many times, I’m starting to believe it.

“

The Girls Academy program is an initiative of Role Models and Leaders Australia

Level 1, 412-414 Newcastle St, West Perth WA 6005

P: 1300 833 904

F: 08 9227 6400

E: info@rolemodelsaustralia.com info@girlsacademy.com.au

W: www.rolemodelsaustralia.com www.girlsacademy.com.au