Mr Hatzistergos travelled to Tirkandi last Thursday, along with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Paul Lynch and local Upper House member Tony Catanzariti. Boys aged between 12 and 15 years of age attend Tirkandi Inaburra for three to six months on a voluntary basis to undertake education and vocational training.
So far, 38 of the 39 graduates of the program have either completed their studies, gained employment or are actively seeking a job.
The program, which has been developed over the past two years, strengthens self-esteem and resilience and teaches the boys to take responsibility for their actions.
One graduate has been selected for an NRL training squad, another has become an apprentice bricklayer and two others are making names for themselves in the performing arts industry.
These are certainly no small feats when you consider many of the boys have faced significant disadvantages in life and have had to overcome a range of obstacles.
IMAGE: Each boy made and decorated their own instrument as part of the highly successful program used at Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre.
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