Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) pictured with Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green and Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes Assistant Director Corporate Services Mal Goodwin at the official opening of new teacher accommodation for St Ignatius Parish School in Bourke earlier this year.
Staff and students at St Therese’s Community Parish School in Wilcannia will benefit from the construction of two new homes for teacher accommodation, funded as part of the Federal Government’s Capital Grants Program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Australian Government would provide $457,325 towards the project at St Therese’s Community Parish School.
“St Therese’s Community Parish School will benefit from new accommodation for teachers being offered positions in Wilcannia who have difficulty locating suitable residential accommodation in the town,” Mr Coulton said.
“The quality of housing in remote areas has a significant impact on attracting and retaining suitably qualified teachers, so this project will provide quality housing that is not otherwise available to support the school.
“St Therese’s Community Parish School has a wonderful school community, and these two new homes – one three-bedroom and a one-bedroom – will further enhance the learning environment by providing teachers with suitable accommodation to undertake their work.
“Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why the Federal Government is proud of the Capital Grants Program, which has helped thousands of schools across the nation.
“Our Government is ensuring that every child gets a high-quality education no matter where they go to school. We are providing a record $315.2 billion for all Australian schools between 2018 and 2029.
“We are delivering real, needs-based funding that is matched by national reforms that will drive better results and outcomes, as recommended in the Gonski report.
“I congratulate St Therese’s Community Parish School on their successful grant application and look forward to seeing the positive impact the two new homes will have on the school community.”
More information about the Capital Grants Program can be found at https://www.dese.gov.au/payments-and-grants-schools/capital-grants-non-government-schools.