‘I was one of these kids’: Former NRL star celebrates kids’ completion of early intervention program

An NRL great has visited Cairns to celebrate kids’ completion of an early intervention program focused on building their confidence and resilience.

Johnathan Thurston founded the JT Academy in 2018. Picture: Supplied.

An NRL great visited Cairns to celebrate youths’ completion of an early intervention program run by his academy.

Johnathan Thurston presented four kids with their certificates for completing the ‘JTYouGotThis’ program run by the JT Academy.

The 10 week program supports children at risk of entering or returning to the criminal system to develop resilience, confidence and courage, so they “can be drivers of their own change”.

Mr Thurston, who said he was inspired to start the program because of his own childhood, told participants he was “extremely proud” of them.

“I was one of these kids and there was no programmes like this when I was a teenager,” Mr Thurston said.

“I was very lucky to have a great support crew around me to help me break that cycle and realise what I wanted to achieve in my life.

“That’s what the academy is there to do now — is help these young people go on a journey of self-discovery, but also help them achieve what they want to achieve in their lives, whether it’s reengaging back at school or starting to look for employment.

“We want to open those doors up for them.”

The program supports kids from ages eight to 17. Picture: Supplied.

The program, run by trained facilitators, involves both classroom-based sessions and on-country sessions such as ropes courses and rock climbing.

“We try and put them in situations where they’re being comfortable in the uncomfortable,” Mr Thurston said.

“When they’re out in community, they’re going to be faced with challenges, and we’re hoping to equip them with tools (so) they can overcome those hurdles that they’re faced with.”

Mr Thurston said he tries to instil in the participants throughout the program that it’s okay to fail.

“What I say to them is you’ve got to celebrate your wins no matter how big or small … just because you make a poor decision doesn’t make you a bad person.”

The program currently runs in Cairns, Townsville and Mt Isa with state government funding, and participation in the program is voluntary.

Over the 10 weeks, there is 80 hours of content delivery. Picture: Supplied.

Children are referred to the program by youth organisations such as Youth Justice and Early Action Group, and sometimes by their schools, however most are disengaged from school.

Mr Thurston said there was often a “big change” in children after they finish the program, which is especially noticed by their families.

“I know that (kids’) families and their staff are extremely proud of them too,” he said.

“We get a lot of feedback from families about the changes they’ve seen in their young children ... which is a massive win.

“It’s important that we give the families a wrap too because they’re doing a great job in helping, you know, shape these participants into who they are.

“Hopefully it’s set them up to go on with bigger and better things, and they always know that there’s a safe place for them...they’re always welcome at the Academy.”

Originally published as ‘I was one of these kids’: Former NRL star celebrates kids’ completion of early intervention program