I am writing this letter as a deep expression of gratitude for the work you have done to empower myself, and the Sydney Kings organisation, to find a deeper understanding and build a stronger connection to our Aboriginal community and history.
Through our valued friendship and the workshops within the Indigenous communities you have exposed us to, we feel extremely lucky to have found a new sense of self-awareness and greater appreciation. You have been tremendous in creating a warm form of communication that has made us feel welcome and connected to the heart and spirit of our beautiful country.
For professional athletes, who spend the great majority of time focusing on individual performance within a team context, its been invaluable for our players to experience their own journeys into these culturally rich and selfless communities where they have naturally expanded their thinking through the quality engagement you’ve administered.
The common misconception is thinking they would go in and simply make a difference in the lives of the sport loving Aboriginal children, when in fact our athletes are the ones coming out making the greatest gains. I have seen the personal transitions within our players where they have experienced a newfound appreciation, self-awareness and life balance through these projects.
You are a truly an amazing and considerate person Matt and your impact within the hearts and minds of our athletes will be irreplaceable.
Thank you again and I look forward to a bright future of working together and to further spiritual and personal enhancement in learning more about this country’s historical Aboriginal culture.
Tim Hudson, Head of Basketball Operations, Sydney Kings
It is with great pleasure that I provide this reference for Matthew Sonter, CEO of Elevation Foundation.
I have known and worked with Matt and Elevation Foundation for the past two years in my role as Senior Project Officer for the Fields of Dreams Program, Student Engagement – Western Sydney University.
Since partnering with Elevation Foundation and working with Matt, he has always impressed me with his professionalism, leadership qualities, dedication and desire to achieve positive outcomes for students, schools and community. Matt’s assistance in his role as CEO has assisted in establishing a strong, positive, working relationship between the wider community and the University.
Without a doubt, Matt’s strength is his communication skills (written, verbal and non-verbal), enabling him to build a strong rapport with students, colleagues and within industry. The respect and rapport Matt quickly develops with students, schools and community is testament of his knowledge, commitment and passion to his role.
Elevation Foundation has played a pivotal role in establishing the Fields of Dreams program with in schools in Dubbo, Bathurst and throughout Greater Western Sydney. The Fields of Dreams program currently supports over 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 – 12, raising and supporting student’s aspirations towards higher education.
Elevation Foundation assists by providing ambassadors/role models to speak and present at events, as well as using their extensive corporate networks to connect students with meaningful industry placements to “road test” their dream career.
Jarred Hodges, Senior Project Officer Student, Field of Dreams
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, through the Healthy Lifestyle Program, has had a positive relationship with the Elevation Foundation for the past 3 years. During this time, the Elevation Foundation has sourced and supplied sporting teams, individual athletes or personalities to support the delivery of associated lifestyle behaviour activities in line with best practice health promotion.
The Healthy Lifestyle Program has found the Elevation Foundation to provide culturally safe services to our clients in a manner that lies within our organisations core values and principles. This is demonstrated by the continuous longevity of our relationship and exemplified through association with the Sydney Kings Basketball franchise which has a firm footprint throughout our communities as its staff and players have made an impression spreading healthy lifestyle messages through structured activities.
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation look forward to continuing this valued relationship and providing further deliverables and outcomes to the Yolngu clans of North East Arnhemland.
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
