$18M to build new and improve existing boarding school facilities in Central Australia

The Albanese Labor Government is establishing a new $18 million capital works fund to build new and improve existing boarding facilities in Central Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote Northern Territory communities.

The Central Australia Boarding Response Fund comes after the review of boarding school options in Central Australia announced last October by the Federal and Northern Territory governments.

As part of the review, consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including the Central Australian Aboriginal Leadership Group, the Central Australian Regional Controller and local schools including Yirara College, Yipirinya School and St Philip’s College.

The Central Australian Boarding Response Fund will provide funding for capital works to improve existing facilities and enable facilities to take on more students.

An open and competitive process will now be established for organisations to apply for grants under the Fund. 

Both Governments are committed to improving education outcomes for young people in Central Australia.

This announcement is in addition to the $40.4 million allocated to the 46 schools in the Central Australia region for On-Country Learning, as part of the $250 million landmark plan for A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia.

Quotes attributable to Minister Linda Burney MP:

“This investment is about improving education outcomes in Central Australia and giving students from remote communities the best chance of reaching their full potential.

“The quality of the boarding services students receive is critical to their success at school.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Jason Clare MP:

“This investment in boarding facilities in Central Australia is about supporting school students in remote Northern Territory communities. 

“This funding can go towards improving existing facilities and building new facilities. 

“This builds on the $40.4 million in funding the Albanese Government is delivering to Central Australian schools and is another way the government is building a better and fairer education system.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy:

“For many First Nations students from remote communities boarding away from home is the only option, so it’s important facilities are improved to give students the best chance of success. 

“This funding builds on the $40.4 million investment the Albanese Government is making in Central Australian schools.”

Quotes attributable to Marion Scrymgour MP:

“This funding announcement comes after extensive community consultations in Central Australia that identified a need for more boarding capacity.

“This investment will help improve the boarding experience of students in Central Australia.”