AUSTRALIA'S Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove addressed members of the Clontarf Foundation at Dubbo College Senior Campus on Friday, as the former Chief of the Defence Force continued on his jam packed three day visit to the city.
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Sir Peter, who said on Thursday he was concentrating on education, youth and volunteerism while in Dubbo, ticked two of the three boxes at Dubbo College Senior Campus, and acknowledged the Clontarf Foundation, which he is the patron of, is close to his heart.
"I think its a wonderful program and I'd like to see it prolific around Australia," he said.
"A lot of the kids in Clontarf have all kinds of reasons not to go school and this unique offering got them interested and engaged.
"The sport brings them in and from there the education really improves."
Dubbo College Senior Campus Year 11 student Stephen Wilson credits the Clontarf Foundation for instilling confidence in him as a person, which has led to him becoming the school captain in 2016.
"Being captain is a big thrill and I wouldn't have gone for it without what Clontarf has done for me," he said.
"This is the second time I've met the Governor-General after a leadership excursion to Canberra and he seems like a really good bloke.
"Down the track I am looking to get into the Army or the Navy so hopefully I can follow his career path."
Fellow Year 11 student Tyson Fuller said it was fantastic having Sir Peter on board with the Clontarf Foundation.
"He (Sir Peter) is a big supporter and its great knowing he has our back," he said.
"I really enjoy the program and we're all like family, so hopefully he (Sir Cosgrove) keeps the support up."
Parkes MP Mark Coulton was also in attendance on Friday, and was pleased Sir Peter had made the trip to Dubbo.
"As the patron it is really important for the boys to see the Governor-General but also for him to have a face-to-face meeting with the kids is great," he said.
"This is a relatively new academy and it is a big boost to have him visiting."