Catholic schools welcome Federal Government doubling drought funding

Catholic schools have welcomed the Federal Government doubling its funding to support families affected by drought. A total of $8.2 million will be allocated to Catholic schools across Queensland ($3.9 million), New South Wales ($2.8 million), Victoria ($810,000) and South Australia ($660,000). This is on top of drought relief funding for Catholic schools announced by the Federal Government on November 7 last year. Executive director of National Catholic Education Jacinta Collins thanked Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan for today's announcement of much needed money. "The Federal Government recognises the hardship faced by our drought-affected communities and the flow-on effects for schools," Jacinta said. "It is so important that young people whose families are facing difficult times can continue their schooling and that schools can support students and families in these situations. "Many of our communities have been experiencing drought for some years and schools have been doing all they can to support the wellbeing of students with counselling and other forms of support." Dr Lee-Anne Perry, Executive Director, Queensland Catholic Education Commission, said: "Catholic schools have been supporting drought affected families, in some cases for a number of years. Today's announcement means they can continue to do that. "This funding will go directly to fee relief and means Catholic schools can continue to offer the highest levels of support to all families impacted by the drought." Catholic Schools NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer Danielle Cronin said: "This additional funding will help families by ensuring they do not have to worry about where their child will go to school during the worst drought on record."