More funding for school chaplains to boost student wellbeing

14 May 2018

More Funding for School Chaplains to boost Student Wellbeing

The Coalition Government has announced its ongoing support of the National School Chaplaincy Programme, which provides vital pastoral care services to thousands of students and school communities across Australia. 

Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, has welcomed the news of the funding support for the Nation School Chaplaincy Programme which provides pastoral care services to school students.
 
“The Coatlition Government’s 2018-19 Budget has extended this programme on a permanent basis and I’m pleased to confirm that schools in Wide Bay will receive $820,000 in funding,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“We know the valuable work school chaplains do in our Wide Bay community and there are a number of schools that will benefit from this funding, enabling chaplains to continue to support the health and wellbeing of students.”
 
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.
 
Llew O’Brien’s media contact:                       Simon Kelly, 07 4121 2936
Minister Birmingham’s media contact:       Benn Ayre 0428 342 325