State continues funding school support

STAFF and students at Yuille Park Community College received a visitor on Monday morning with Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison stopping in to deliver some news.

On top of promoting the next round of the State Government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, Ms Addison also revealed families across Victoria have now saved $100 million on back-to-school costs through the $400 School Saving Bonus.

Throughout the Wendouree electorate, families are estimated to have saved more than $1 million on resources like textbooks and school uniforms, as well as back-to-school expenses.

Ms Addison said the funding program has been a boon for many local students and parents.

“Families across Ballarat have a million reasons to welcome the commencement of the new school year, thanks to the School Saving Bonus,” she said.

“I am delighted that families across Ballarat are taking advantage of the financial support on offer from the Allan Labor Government.

“We’re also helping families cover the cost of camps, sporting activities and excursions, to make sure no child misses out on experiencing all the fun and adventures on offer.”

More than 200,000 students across Victoria are expected to have access to the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund this year, which is estimated to have so far assisted two million kids in participating in activities.

Under the program, families with healthcare cards can receive $154 for primary school children, and $256 for secondary school students.

As part of a recent change to the program, families with multiple children attending the same school will be able to pool their allocated funds to use on one child or for one specific activity.

Families can use the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund alongside the School Saving Bonus, which is expected to benefit around 700,000 students throughout Victoria.

More than $40 million from the bonus has gone towards school uniforms, and over $26 million spent on school activities, while nearly $30 million has been spent on textbooks.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said it’s important students are financially supported across all components of their schooling experience, including activities.

“For many students, school camp is the highlight of the year,” he said.

“By putting more money back in the pockets of more Victorian families, we’re making sure all students have the chance to participate.

“It’s on top of our $400 School Saving Bonus, which has already saved busy Victorian families $100 million on uniforms, books, camps and excursions.”

The State Government allocated an additional $168.7 million last year to continue the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund for an extra four years.