News

NASCA Launches Young Men’s Academy in Ballina

  • 18 February 2026
  • 3 min read
  • Daniela Milanesi
NASCA Young Men's Academy

NASCA is thrilled to announce a major milestone in our 30+year history: the official launch of our first-ever Young Men’s Academy (YMA).

Following the incredible impact of the Young Women’s Academy (YWA), this 12-month pilot program is now live at Ballina Coast High School. The YMA is designed to provide 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men with the same culturally grounded, high-impact support that has helped our young women thrive.

Why the Young Men’s Academy Matters

At NASCA, we believe that when you lead with culture, academic and social success naturally follow.

The program focuses on three core pillars:

  • Dedicated Mentorship: access to positive male role models and consistent in-class support
  • Cultural Pride: a safe, supportive space to explore heritage and connect with local Elders
  • Leadership & Wellbeing: practical tools to boost school engagement and build long-term resilience.

“This new program is a strategic commitment to ensuring our young men have access to the same strong cultural foundations and dedicated classroom support that has empowered our young women to thrive,” says NASCA CEO Alison Bentick.

“Our vision is for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young man in Ballina to walk tall in two worlds. This program ensures our young men have the leadership skills and cultural pride necessary to shape their own futures.”

A Movement Built on Success

The decision to launch the pilot in Ballina was driven by the undeniable impact of the Young Women’s Academy, which began at Ballina Coast High School in 2025.

Abbey Orcher, NASCA Team Leader at Ballina Coast High School, has seen the transformation firsthand. “The YWA didn’t just start a program, they started a movement,” she says. “We’ve proven a powerful truth: when young people are given belief, structure, and opportunity, they rise.”

The YMA aims to bring that same energy to the young men, challenging them to lead with integrity, discipline, and respect.

Leading by Example: Mentors and Students

Isaijha Donovan, NASCA Young Men's Academy Program Lead

Isaijha Donovan, the YMA Program Lead, knows exactly how much a mentor can change a life. After facing his own challenges with school engagement, it was a mentor who helped him successfully complete Year 12.

“That experience influenced my desire to be a positive role model and give back,” Isaijha explains. “I hope to help light the way for other young men to grow in confidence and become leaders in their own right.”

Kordaie, a Year 12 student at Ballina Coast High School and one of the first to get enrolled in the NASCA Young Men's Academy program

The students are equally ready to step up. Kordaie, a Year 12 student at Ballina Coast High School, is proud to be part of the inaugural group.

“It means a lot to be involved in a culture where we can grow together and strengthen our identity,” Kordaie says. “I’m especially looking forward to the opportunities to connect through culture, dancing, bonding as brothers, and building strong relationships with our Elders and community. As a Year 12 student, I want to be a leader, to guide the younger boys coming through and help light the way for the next generation.”