Schools doing it tough supporting drought-impacted students now have access to Morrison McCormack Government support, thanks to the most recent drought package.
Announced as part of the Government’s $2 billion ‘Step Up in Drought Budget Support’ package, the Coalition Government has committed $15 million to help schools and childcare centres supporting drought-impacted families.
Regional Services Minister and Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton welcomed the announcement as an important package for schools on the frontline of nurturing the next generation of regional Australians.
“It is so important our next generation don’t become the victims of this awful drought,” Minister Coulton said.
“If we are to come out of this drought into a more prosperous future, it is imperative we have a generation of well-educated young people coming through.
“By supporting the schools that support our regional kids, we are ensuring families don’t have to choose between an education and the drought.”
Minister Coulton said droughts place massive pressure on farming families and compound the peril of distance young students already face.
“We all know cases of parents having to choose to remove their child from boarding school or choose which child to send to school; these cases are heartbreaking and concerning for our future,” Minister Coulton said.
“There are many schools out there providing fee support to minimise the need for families to make these choices; it is only right these schools shouldn’t go broke doing so.”
The $15 million package mirrors support offered following the 2019 Floods in North Queensland and includes $10 million for schools impacted by drought and $5 million for childcare centres. Schools can apply for the assistance and will need to show their financial position is damaged by supporting drought-affected students.
Further details and the application form, can be found at: https://www.education.gov.au/special-circumstances-funding
