Our Story
Harbrow Mentoring is owned and operated by Cairns local brothers Marc and Jarrod Harbrow. Created in 2010, Harbrow Mentoring was initially designed to deliver school holiday sporting programs to young people in communities in Cape York. Harbrow Mentoring now provides a holistic range of programs to young people living in Far North QLD and the Gold Coast, connecting it’s three main pillars to its operations, Mentoring, Leadership and Sports Development. Designed to give aspiring young people the tools to achieve most out of their life in a culturally supportive and inclusive environment.
Marc and Jarrod are very passionate about assisting young people and their communities through the influence of improved health, educational outcomes and employment opportunities. Combined with a wealth of knowledge and experience, Marc and Jarrod are committed to supporting young people achieve the best out of life.
MARC HARBROW
Co-Founder
Marc Harbrow is a passionate individual who commits himself to the betterment of young people. Marc has had the opportunity to experience a wide range of diverse backgrounds and places. Time spent in Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands working for the Australian Football League has helped shape Marc into the person he is today. At the age of 15 Marc was struck down with a life threatening illness Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. 9 months in hospital undergoing heavy treatment was a pivotal moment in Marc’s life time. With a successful bone marrow transplant matching donor being his younger brother Jarrod Harbrow, Marc is now able to share his story to help inspire others.
JARROD HARBROW
Co-Founder
Cairns born product Jarrod Harbrow is a proud Yirrganydji/ Kuku-Yalanji Aboriginal Australian. At an early age Jarrod was taught the importance of self-respect and respect for others by his parents. Jarrod has embraced these core values his entire life which in turn projects the reason why his passion lay’s in the foundations of bettering the lives of young people. Sports, in particular AFL, has had a massive influence on Jarrod’s life. Leaving Cairns at the age of 16 to further his chances of fulfilling his dreams of playing on the big stage. A move in which came with no guarantees, however hard work and commitment would give Jarrod the best possible chance of achieving his child hood dream. Jarrod has now played over 200 games of AFL. Becoming the first player in history to achieve life membership at the Gold Coast Suns Football Club, a recipient of the community award in 2012, 2016 and 2018 along with being a finalist in the Jim Stynes community award at the prestigious Brownlow Medal count. With imbedded life values and a proven track record of success, Harbrow Mentoring gives Jarrod the opportunity and platform to help make a difference..
Facilitators, Associates & Volunteers
Harbrow Mentoring is proud to have developed a strong network of facilitators, associates and volunteers who support the implementation of each Program, including Esther Stephens who joined Harbrow Mentoring in 2018.
ESTHER STEPHENS
Esther Stephens
Esther Stephens is a Cairns local. Raised in Manoora her family has always been actively involved in the local region and community. This has educated her to value people from all walks of life, appreciate living in a beautiful part of the world and to seeing firsthand the benefits of working together as a community. Her work background includes being involved in number of community events and initiatives through Headspace and PCYC. She has also worked in residential youth care helping kids with complex needs and behavioural issues. By nature, she describes herself as an “energetic, sporty, people person”. What she is most passionate about is, “helping young people reach their potential through sport, team building and life style programs”. She feels that Harbrow Mentoring provides her with a great opportunity to better connect with great young people in the Cairns region, and looks forward to working with Marc and Jarrod as their business grows.