Clontarf Foundation appoints Mick Gooda and Jonathan McLeod, creating an Indigenous-majority board

The Clontarf Foundation has appointed prominent Indigenous leaders Mick Gooda and Jonathan McLeod to its board, a move the organisation says marks a major governance milestone and strengthens its long-term engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The appointments were reported on 13 February, with the Foundation describing the change as the beginning of a “new chapter” following the retirement of founder chief executive Gerard Neesham and deputy chief executive Craig Brierty. Clontarf works with young Indigenous men through school-based academies, using sport and mentoring as a vehicle to support attendance, engagement and pathways into employment.

According to the Foundation, “with these appointments, the Board now has an Indigenous majority,” which it said was “an important milestone” supporting sustainability and stakeholder engagement.

Clontarf Chair Tom O’Leary paid tribute to outgoing leaders and linked the program’s scale to Closing the Gap priorities. “We recognise the extraordinary vision, dedication and leadership of Gerard who, along with Craig, helped shape our success over the past 26 years,” Mr O’Leary said. He pointed to the program’s expansion “to 162 academies” and said “the achievements of the boys and young men participating in Clontarf Academies across Australia are meaningful contributions towards Closing the Gap.”

Mr O’Leary said the organisation was looking ahead to what the new directors will bring. “As Clontarf begins a new chapter, we congratulate Jonathan and Mick on their appointments, and we look forward to the contributions they will bring through their extensive leadership, governance and Indigenous policy expertise” he said.

National Indigenous Times reported Mr Gooda, a Gangulu and Yiman man, has held senior roles in Indigenous policy and advocacy, including as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. Mr McLeod is described as an Indigenous Territorian and a descendant of the Katherine and Victoria River Districts peoples and Mabuiag Island Torres Strait Islander communities, and is currently Branch Head of Kakadu National Park within the federal environment portfolio.

The Foundation has also commenced a national search for a new chief executive, signalling a broader transition in leadership and governance.