After retiring from a rewarding rugby league career, I now have the opportunity through the Johnathan Thurston Academy to focus on projects I am passionate about which encourage young Australians to lead their best lives and enjoy success in education, sport and employment.The Johnathan Thurston Academy aims to be a leading national provider of outstanding employment initiatives and training programs aimed at health, wellbeing, sport and education across Australia. The Academy’s key strength is developing and delivering high quality programs to individuals, equipping them with the right skills, knowledge and attributes to make significant and positive future impact.Through strong education, community and industry partnerships we are committed to supporting indi-viduals to reach personal, educational and career goals.I see my work with the JT Academy as a way of reaching out to disadvantaged communities and youth and offering them ways forward to help them achieve and enjoy success whatever that may look like for each of them.In addition to my work as Managing Director with the JT Academy, I am contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys as a mentor and ambassador. I am proud to continue my partnership with Chan-nel Nine where I commentate and offer insights into the game.Outside of football and the JT Academy, I am a shareholder of Collings Aviation Holdings, which in March 2015 bought out Cairns-based airline Skytrans.I also continue to be an Ambassador for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards and for the Apunipima Cape York Health Council's anti-ice campaign