Outcomes

• Increased understanding of Aboriginal culture
• Increased knowledge of Aboriginal history
• Greater connection to individual identity
• Successful completion of a SACE subject
• Increased connections with Aboriginal role models
• Greater understanding of health and wellbeing
• Development of social and life skills
• Increasing opportunities for further education and employment
• Networks in further education and employment
• Experiencing positive connection and solidarity

2017 (Year 1)

Our first year as an Academy saw 10 students graduate and receive a Certificate 3 in Sport and Recreation.

We could not have achieved what we did in year one if it wasn’t for the support and belief of the Leaders and teachers at Woodville High School. Their partnership will always be appreciated and respected.

The study location was Brocus House in Woodville, our basketball component was located at St Clair (old facility prior to redevelopment).

2018 (Year 2)

Year two saw 21 students complete their Certificate 3 in Fitness. This was our first year partnering with SAASTA, we had to move locations due to the St Clair renovation, all of the study and basketball was located at the Port Adelaide Recreation Centre.

We appreciate the support of Basketball SA and the West Adelaide Basketball Club for making our surroundings as comfortable as possible. Specialist coaches included Everett Osborne, Daniel and Tahlia Fejo.

2019 (Year 3)

Year three sees us back at the fully refurbished St Clair, this state of the art facility is ensuring our 17 students are well looked after, the study and basketball environment is first class.  The YMCA staff have been very supportive and have bought into our ethos and goals for these students.

All of the students are currently studying Aboriginal Studies. Specialist coaches this year include Sherrie Session and Tahlia Fejo.

2020 (Year 4)

After a successful graduation trip to the USA we are back stronger than ever for 2020, 33 new students including 9 females.

This year we have brought our Academy alongside Netball and Soccer,  this will allow our students to study one of four subjects on offer. Fitness, Sport and Recreation, Hospitality and Aboriginal Studies.

Once again we are located at the YMCA run St Clair Recreation Centre.

Head Coach Tim Brenton
Mentor Joey Wyatt
Specialist American Coach Joey Hewitt

2021 (Year 5)

This year we are continuing to share resources with Netball SA and Metrostars Soccer club at St Clair. The ABA has 33 students enrolled for 2021. We have eight year 10 students, nineteen year 11 students and seven year 12 , students. For the first time we have twelve female students in the program.

Students have been able to pick from three subjects this year, Aboriginal Studies, Certificate III in Fitness and Aboriginal Leadership.

Mentor Joey Wyatt continues his role in the classroom and as a support on the court. We welcome Scott Whitmore as the new head coach, Tim Brenton while still involved at board level has taken a deserved break from the day to day coordination of the program.

Scott will be supported by American player Joe Jackson and female coach Chloe Purvis. Tim Maloney 1996 wheelchair basketball Gold Medalist is also pictured here.

2022 (Year 6)

Once again we are continuing to share resources with Netball SA and Metrostars Soccer club at St Clair. At the time of enrolment we have 42 students looking to be involved for 2022, We have thirteen year 10 students, twelve year 11 students and seventeen year 12 , students. For the first time we have twelve female students in the program.

Mentor Joey Wyatt continues his role in the classroom and as a support on the court. We welcome back ScottWhitmore as returning head coach,

Scott will be supported again by American player Joe Jackson and female coach Chloe Purvis.

2023 (Year 7)

Once again we are continuing to share resources with Netball SA and Metrostars Soccer club at St Clair. At the time of enrolment we have 33 students ready for 2023.

Mentor Joey Wyatt continues his role in the classroom and as a support on the court. We are thrilled to announce former NBL player Craig Gilbert to the role of head coach.

Craig will be supported again by American player Joe Jackson and female coach Chloe Purvis.

We also welcome former 2022 ABA graduate Tamana to the classroom as student mentor.

2024 (Year 8)

The ABA continues its partnership with SAASTA for 2024, with 34 students enrolled for the year.

Joey Wyatt continues to lead our mentoring team of Chloe Purvis and Temaana Sanderson-Bromely, Joe Jackson is back again as assistant coach.

We are also excited to welcome new program head coach Sharif Black to the ABA. Special thanks to Craig Gilbert for his work with the students over the last two years.