Elevation Foundation is a 100% Aboriginal owned organisation with the dream of empowering youth to thrive in their local community through participating in healthy lifestyle and cultural programs.
Established by former Australian Rugby player Matt Sonter in 2010, Elevation Foundation is built on the pillars of cultural pride, self-empowerment and holistic health.
At Elevation Foundation, we believe that our nation will be stronger if we help our youth become active members of their local communities.
At Elevation Foundation, we pride ourselves on:
- Developing pride in culture;
- Fostering confidence;
- Enacting Leadership; and
- Empowering young Indigenous people.
Our Logo
Our logo represents our youth, from various backgrounds, coming together to create strong local communities for a better world.
Our Services
Elevation Foundation programs can be delivered in communities, and tailored to suit the community’s needs. Some examples of programs include:
- Bringing role models to communities to work with young people;
- Delivering Elevation Foundation healthy lifestyles, leadership and participation programs to young people in community; and
- Developing programs tailored to your community.
Matt Sonter – Founder and CEO
Matt is a proud Gamilaroi man and the founder and CEO of Elevation Foundation. He has had a long illustrious career as a professional Rugby Union player spanning more than thirteen years that has had him travel the world and represent his country. During his career Matt has captained the Australian 7’s Rugby team, played for the Queensland Reds and played for various club rugby teams in the Shute Shield.
Matt has a passion for giving back to the community and has undertaken role model work in various communities throughout the country since finishing his professional rugby career.
“I wanted to share some of the tools of success that I have learnt throughout my professional career,” said Matt.
“I know the importance of being a part of a community and the need to be generous with your ideas, time and energy because that’s what helps build a strong community.”
Matt has had lots of success, both on and off the field. Matt is a founding board member of the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), is a member of the Central Coast Pelicans Aboriginal Sports Corporation and an active member of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Academy. It is through participating in these organisations that Matt saw the need to develop more programs to encourage youth leadership in their communities.
“Our kids have so much talent to offer our communities. I started Elevation Foundation to foster this talent in my community on the NSW Central Coast, but have extended the programs nationally.”
“At the heart of the programs is connection – connection to country, to each other and to community. We achieve this through education, developing healthy minds, bodies and relationships, enacting leadership and teaching practical skills.”
Matt has completed a Bachelor of Community Management and works today as the Indigenous Community Development Officer at the Wyong Shire Council, in addition to his work with Elevation Foundation.