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Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has partnered with Netball Queensland on the First Nations Diamond Spirit program, to help transform the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls via career pathways.
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BDA’s 12-month partnership is designed to transform the lives of up to 3,000 students across regional and remote Queensland.
The award-winning First Nations program, Diamond Spirit, aims to boost the physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female students in years 7 to 12, guiding them toward meaningful education outcomes – through the power of netball.
The important partnership with Netball Queensland's Diamond Spirit program is a proud new endeavour for the company, according to Scott Carpendale, BDA vice president and managing director.
“It is designed to improve students’ wellbeing, improve and increase school attendance through positive behavioural change, and support students’ transition into meaningful career pathways,” Carpendale said.
“Through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we are striving to build and strengthen our relationships with individuals, communities and suppliers to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“By partnering with Diamond Spirit, Boeing is taking further action to build meaningful connections, demonstrate respect and help create an equitable Australia.”
Since 2017, 2,500 students in remote communities have participated in Diamond Spirit netball clinics and inter-community carnivals.
In addition, 500 students have enrolled at its Educate Hubs at Cairns and Bremer state high schools in partnership with Education Queensland.
BDA’s support and leadership is key in helping to create a positive, systemic change for young Indigenous women and girls, according to Lee Wilson, manager at Diamond Spirit, diversity and inclusion,
“Using netball as a vehicle of engagement – as the No.1 female participation sport in Australia – our program creates improved educational and employment outcomes for the students by providing them with the tools they need to succeed at school and once they graduate,” Wilson said.
“The positive impact on the students’ lives allows them to become the next generation of female First Nations leaders and role models.”
[Related: Australian government certifies Macquarie Data Centres’ full portfolio]
