Top Blokes Foundation Grossmann High Graduation

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to the Top Blokes Foundation and all of the graduates at the ceremony I attended last month. It was heartwarming to see the Top Blokes program in action in the high schools of Maitland. The most recent graduation was for Year 9 students who had completed the program at Maitland Grossmann High School. The participants told me how much they enjoyed the program. The Top Blokes Foundation is a non-profit organisation working to improve the mental health and social well-being of young men 10-24 years old through group mentoring programs. The programs are delivered by qualified youth workers in schools and organisations. The idea is to provide a safe place for boys and young men to explore complex topics like peer pressure, sexual health and masculinity. Top Blokes and Maitland Grossmann High School recognise the graduates for their qualities and values as individuals. Every workshop tells a story and every young man Top Blokes support demonstrates openness, vulnerability and care for one another. This is a really worthwhile program and I congratulate the graduates and mentors on this occasion.