Minister Visits Worawa Aboriginal College
Minister for Education, James Merlino, today visited Worawa Aboriginal College to speak to students and staff about college life.
Mr Merlino received a traditional cultural welcome and visited the college’s classroom, boarding house and art gallery.
The college, in Healesville, is Victoria’s only Aboriginal school. Aboriginal owned and governed, it provides a quality education and boarding experience for up to 70 Aboriginal young women from Years 7-10 from urban, regional and remote communities across Australia.
The Worawa education model integrates education, well-being and culture.
As part of the College’s ongoing work to develop an International First Nations Education Network, it will convene Yapaneyepuk, an Indigenous Education Symposium to be held in Melbourne from July 27 – 29. The symposium will include a Youth Forum supported by the Department of Education and Training.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests close to $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
The Budget provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.
It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.
For Victoria to become the Education State, it is vital that all Victorians join in the Education State consultation and share their ideas and aspirations for Victoria’s education system.
Head to www.educationstate.education.vic.gov.au to join in the conversation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino
“Worawa Aboriginal College is a great example of how children are being supported to reach their full potential.”
“I commend Principal Lois Peeler and all the teachers and support staff for their commitment to their students and families.”
“We’re investing more than $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has a great local school and every child gets the chance to succeed.”