I welcome the NSW Government’s ongoing support of rural families, by confirming that falling enrolments in drought-affected rural communities will not impact teacher numbers at their local public schools.
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Four schools within the Dubbo electorate – Eumungerie Public School, Narromine High School, Narromine Public School and Trangie Central School – have been included on the list of schools that won’t be affected.
The drought has already forced families from within the Dubbo electorate to relocate, causing a decline in student numbers.
We are aware of how tough the drought has been on families in the region, and we are doing everything we can to ease its impact.
More than 220 schools in isolated areas suffering from intense drought conditions across NSW will be guaranteed their staffing entitlements in 2019, with a further 35 schools on the border of drought-affected areas also able to apply for the concession.
Staffing entitlements at the impacted schools next year would have dropped by about 100 across the State without this important intervention.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said school staffing requirements are based on student numbers, so schools that lose students would typically have a reduction.
“However, our announcement today means that isolated school communities severely impacted by the drought will have certainty and be able to continue to support local students and their families,” Mr Stokes said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the move would also help prevent schools from exhausting their resources and having to recruit more staff once the drought breaks.
“Schools are a vital part of our regional communities and that is why it is so important to offer this support” he said.
Multicultural grant open
Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams and I have announced $300,000 in grant funding is available for multicultural projects in NSW.
The Multicultural NSW Celebrating Diversity Projects grants program particularly supports projects that demonstrate collaborative relationships and partnerships between the private sector and community and non-government organisations.
There are so many dedicated organisations in our local community that devote endless time, passion and energy into supporting our multicultural community.
These grants will support programs, activities and networks in our local community to develop and thrive, especially where service gaps or unmet community needs exist.
I encourage all eligible local community organisations to consider applying for the Multicultural NSW Celebrating Diversity Projects Grants. Applications close December 14. Visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/about_grants/.