School Attendance Officers will work throughout the Christmas holidays as part of the CLP's comprehensive, consistent response to address community safety in Alice Springs.
There will be an increased presence of School Attendance Officers in Alice Springs working over the break, which will also help build positive relationships with families to drive school engagement in 2025.
Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey said Department of Education and Training staff would work alongside other government departments and local organisations to ensure families remain engaged.
"School Attendance Officers will have an information stall at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre in January, providing enrolment and attendance advice to families in preparation for Term 1 next year," said Mrs Hersey.
"The Department is also partnering with Tangentyere Council to visit all town camps and support enrolments and return to country where possible."
"The team will work with students and their families who have an open student engagement case to support student transitions across primary, middle and secondary years."
The CLP Government has contributed $180,000 to Alice Springs Town Council and Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation for the delivery of holiday programs for youth, and $92,000 to Yirpirinya School.
In Term 4, 130 compliance and infringement notices were issued in the Central region, including 75 directions to attend school, two directions to enrol, and 10 infringement notices ($370 fines).
"This indicates that families are listening and are working with the Department of Education and Training to support their children to return to school," said Mrs Hersey.
"The CLP is delivering on their election commitment to build an experienced cohort of School Attendance Officers across the Territory, getting kids to school and on the right track."
Induction and orientation for five new School Attendance Officers will commence on 13 January, which will include two-week practical and theoretical on-the-job training.
This follows the CLP Government's announcement on Friday of the Circuit Breaker Program here which supports young people at risk and holds their parents accountable for their child's behaviour.
Circuit Breaker addresses the root causes of offending behaviour, encourages parental accountability, and breaks the cycle of harmful behaviours.
