ARTIE'S Origin education program given $5.6 million boost

ARTIE, the Indigenous education program supported by Queensland Former Origin Greats (FOGS), is to receive $5.6 million from the State Government.

The funding will support Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education (ARTIE) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students over four years.

Named after the former Redcliffe Dolphins and Queensland legend Arthur Beetson, ARTIE is currently in 10 schools across the Moreton Bay Region.

They are Bray Park State School, Bribie Island State and High Schools, Deception Bay North State School, Deception Bay High School, Morayfield State and High Schools, Pine Rivers State High School, Tullawong State and High Schools.

The funding announcement was made by FOGS’ Gene Miles and Jharal Yow Yeh, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, ahead of tonight's Origin 1.

Maroons leader

“Arthur Beetson embodied everything about Queenslanders striving for success,” Treasurer Dick said.

“As the first State of Origin Maroons leader and as Australia’s first Indigenous captain of a national team, he set standards that are followed to this day.

“The ARTIE program is a fitting legacy that continues to support Indigenous school children in many locations across the state.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace said the ARTIE Academy, founded in 2010, operates in 37 state primary and secondary schools.

“ARTIE helps to Close the Gap in educational outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” Minister Grace said.

Opportunity

“It provides opportunity to participate in programs that encourage improvements in school attendance, behaviour, academic achievement, effort, and ultimately Year 12 attainment or its equivalent.

“It’s great to have a program in place that has Indigenous mentors leading from the front, which is very motivating for Indigenous youth."

The State Government first funded the ARTIE Academy in 2019 helping it operate in 19 state schools. There are now 2048 pupils in the primary program.

FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles said: “This model successfully helps our students to transition into our feeder secondary schools’ program.

“Apart from inspiring league players and fans, Artie was firm in the need for young First Australians to be educated, to finish school and to be employed.

“Our ARTIE Academy operates with high expectations for effort, behaviour, achievement and commitment."