GCM and Clontarf join forces in Winter Wood Run for Gunaikurnai Elders

Young First Nations men from the Bairnsdale Clontarf Academy and local Gippsland Critical Minerals team members have joined forces to collect firewood from local forest plantations owned by GCM to help ensure local Elders stay warm this winter.

Paul (Turk) Carroll, the Clontarf Academy Director in Bairnsdale, showed off his skills with the chainsaw while the Clontarf and GCM team collected and stacked a trailer with firewood, while others cooked sausages on the BBQ for a well-earned break.

The initiative was put together by Murray Holland, GCM’s Native Seed Nursery Manager.

Isaac Hoskin, a proud Gunaikurnai man who works alongside Murray at GCM’s nursery, spoke to the kids and took them through his journey from being a high school kid in the Clontarf Academy to being a GCM employee, working in the native seed nursery and land management, and gaining a horticultural certificate.  Isaac’s inspiring message to the young men was: “Stay in school, stick to the program, and value the friendships that school provides.”

Murray said: “The young men were fun, friendly, and engaging, and great to be around.  We’re proud to have the opportunity to work alongside them and provide firewood for the Elders as we come into winter.

“Clontarf are an amazing organisation and we hope to do more with them to support them with improving the education, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men in East Gippsland.”

Paul added: “Murray has been a fantastic mentor over the past few years, ensuring Isacc was well supported in his traineeship, and the two have become close over the time spent together. 

“The Elders Wood Run is a fantastic way to get hands-on and ensure we support our community and show respect to our Elders. Murray and Ryan have been super supportive in helping us, visiting the program, and sharing knowledge and opportunities that may be provided in the region in the coming years.”