24 December 2014

State Government steps in to support chaplains at

Neerabup and Quinns Rocks primary schools

The WA State Government has ensured that Neerabup Primary School and Quinns Rocks Primary School will be able to maintain their vital chaplaincy service in 2015. 

Peter Katsambanis MLC, Member for North Metropolitan Region, has welcomed news that the State Government has stepped in to ensure a funding shortfall won’t see public schools lose their Chaplaincy support service.

“Chaplains provide a great range of support services to a school community, from providing help and guidance to our school children through difficult times, to helping families and staff tackle broader issues.” Mr Katsambanis said.

Under the Commonwealth’s new National School Chaplaincy Programme, Western Australia will receive $1.45 million a year less than under previous years. Until the State Government stepped in this was not sufficient to maintain the number of schools currently funded. 

"It is clear from the feedback received by the State Government that this service needs to be retained in our schools.  

“I am extremely pleased to see the State Government doing the right thing by making up the shortfall to make sure we do not lose these critical chaplaincy services across the state." Mr Katsambanis said. 

“I know the local communities at Neerabup and Quinns Rocks primary schools value their chaplain support, so it is great to see this important service retained with $20,000 each in State Government assistance.” Mr Katsambanis concluded.

The $1.45 million provided by the State Government is in addition to the $5.68 million a year it provides under YouthCARE. This wholly state-funded programme ensures public schools have access to chaplain support without employing them directly but can do so if they choose.

For more information on YouthCARE, please click here.