On Tuesday August 9th, AFL Northern Territory in conjunction with the Tiwi College held the official launch of the Tiwi Islands School of Excellence at Pikataramoor, Meville Island.
An AFLNT delegation consisting of AFLNT CEO, Tony Frawley and Remote Projects team members, Kevin Bruce, Tavis Perry and Ian Brown travelled to Pikataramoor to launch the new program at Tiwi College in front of an excited group of students.
"AFLNT are looking forward being an integral part of Tiwi College as it moves forward, and we hope that the programs we implement will assist in getting Tiwi kids to school on a more regular basis," said Frawley.
The program will be modeled of the recently launched St. Johns College School of Excellence Program with a newly appointed regional development manager to be embedded in the school program full time.
New Tiwi Islands Regional Development Manager, Ian Brown, will work in a full-time capacity at Tiwi College, whilst also assist the TIFL in maintaining the competition on the Islands.
"The TIFL is a major focus for us that it continues to develop but in a structured and organized manor to ensure that the game continues to prosper on the Tiwi Islands," advised Frawley.
Brown, will be greatly assisted by current Tiwi Bombers Premiership Captain, Shane Tipuamantumirri and ex-Melbourne star Austin Wonamaerri, who will run the Male AFL Academy, with Natasha Bennett continuing her role in developing and running the female AFL Academy at Tiwi College.
"The School of Excellence will provide a pathway for male players into the Tiwi Bombers Premier League side which competes in the NTFL and will have a myriad of opportunities for matches against sides from all over the Territory, as well as the chance to complete umpires, coaches and administrative courses," said Tipuamantumirri.
Tiwi College Principal Ian Smith is looking forward to developing this partnership with AFLNT and sees the benefit of combining AFL and Education into a unique educational model.
"We are really excited to have a full time resource to assist in developing our students and providing them with great opportunities to succeed with their football and education.
"The beauty of this program is that it is all inclusive with both boys and girls with the pathways it provides to all.
"We look forward to working with AFLNT and also the Tiwi Bombers to continue to foster the development of this program to ensure that these children continue to get a quality education and be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else."
The program swings into action immediately with the first full season of the AFLNT School of Excellence Program commencing at the start of the 2013 school year.