Support for boarding students to finish school

The Federal Government is to support First Nations boarding students from remote and very remote communities to finish their schooling.

More than 50 boarding providers across Australia have been selected to share a $44.2 million investment to support approximately 2,500 First Nations students to attend school and achieve their learning potential.

The investment will enable culturally appropriate care and support for students to promote wellbeing and academic success.

“Investing in boarding facilities helps First Nations students access quality education and finish school,” Education Minister Jason Clare said.

 “The Government understands the importance of choice for families in supporting their children through their education and options to study on-Country, or nearby where possible.

It will support cultural connection, upgrades to boarding facilities and provide support to students transitioning into boarding so they can stay in school and thrive.

The funding from 2025 to 2026 will also be used to employ First Nations teachers and wellbeing officers, or counsellors trained in trauma-informed practices.

“Education is key to Closing the Gap and the Albanese Labor Government is determined to support First Nations students to succeed at school and reach their full potential in life,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“Moving to a boarding school can be a big change in a young person’s life, and they need appropriate supports. That’s why we’re funding programs that encourage students to grow their sense of wellbeing, learning, and cultural identity.

 “This funding will help more than 2,500 students receive an education while staying connected to their community and receiving the support they need to succeed.”

At Blackheath & Thornburgh College in Charters Towers, Queensland, a culture hub and First Nations wellbeing and community officer will foster cultural connection and engagement by providing a place for First Nations students and families to come together.

At Cape York Girl Academy in Wangatti Beach near Cairns, young women will learn cross-cultural and leadership development skills through the Independent Living Skills Program, while the Deep Driving Partnerships program at Djarragun College in Gordonvale, near Cairns will improve understanding between the school and Indigenous communities.

At Laynhapuy Homelands School in Yirrkala in the Northern Territory, 30 Yolŋgu students will benefit from better school learning resources and an improved boarding environment, with new laptops and kitchen upgrades.

Karalundi College in the mid-west region of Western Australia will increase capacity to welcome 20 more students, while Catholic Education Western Australia’s Transition Support Unit will continue to provide culturally informed assistance with boarding and school transition areas.

In Victoria, Melbourne Indigenous Transition School will support more than 85 boarding students from regional Victoria and remote areas in the top end of the Northern Territory, by providing wraparound holistic support to attend their partner schools in Melbourne.

Boarding plays an important role for many First Nations students from rural and remote communities and this investment is one of the ways the Albanese Labor Government is helping to close the gap in education outcomes.