More funding for school chaplains

MAY 14, 2018: The Liberal National Government has backed school chaplains across the region with hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding nationally.The Liberal National Government has announced its ongoing support for the National School Chaplaincy Programme, which provides vital pastoral care services to thousands of students and school communities across Australia.The Government’s 2018-19 Budget extended the National School Chaplaincy Programme on a permanent basis and backed it with an extra $247 million.We know the valuable work school chaplains do, and this is a programme I was determined to see continue.There are 17 schools across Mackay that will benefit from this funding boost so that chaplains can continue their vital role supporting the health and wellbeing of young people.I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the National School Chaplaincy Programme has and I personally donate to the school chaplain at my old school, Mackay State High. Phil (Hall) the Chappie does a great job of helping kids through tough times.There is strong community support for this program, and this Government has now guaranteed ongoing funding for what is really an essential service for schools and families.Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the school chaplains program would also have a greater focus on bullying.“A focus on bullying, specifically cyberbullying, will see school chaplains required to undertake training in this area to ensure they are fully equipped to deal with the challenges in the school community,” Minister Birmingham said.“This funding will also mean school chaplains can continue to provide important pastoral care and run programs such as breakfast clubs and other volunteer activities within their school communities.“Over the last year over 1000 schools and families have written, called and emailed me expressing their support for the programme and shared the stories of the work of school chaplains in their local communities.“Ensuring that schools are supportive, inclusive and safe learning communities provides a strong foundation for students to reach their full potential in learning and in life and I know the important role the National School Chaplaincy Programme plays in promoting this.”Participating schools are eligible to receive up to $20,000 (in metropolitan or regional areas) or $24,000 (in remote/very remote areas) to employ a school chaplain.Schools in Dawson participating in the NSCPMACKAY: Pioneer State High School, Dundula State School, Whitsunday Anglican School, Beaconsfield State School, Carlisle Adventist Christian College, Bucasia State School, Glenella State School, St Patrick's College, Mackay Christian College, Victoria Park State School, Holy Spirit College, Northview State School, Mackay North State High School, Eimeo Road State School, Slade Point State School, Mackay State High SchoolWHITSUNDAYS: Cannonvale State School, Proserpine State School, St Catherine’s Catholic College The Whitsundays, Whitsunday Christian CollegeBOWEN: Bowen State High School, Bowen State School, Queens Beach State School, St Mary’s SchoolBURDEKIN: Ayr East State School, Ayr State High School, Ayr State School, Burdekin Catholic High School, Burdekin School, St Francis Regional Primary School, Home Hill State High School, Home Hill State SchoolSOUTH TOWNSVILLE: Annandale State School, Southern Cross Catholic School, William Ross State High School, Oonoonba State School, Wulguru State School