The NSW Government has allocated $60 million over four years to extend the Wellbeing and Health In-Reach Nurse (WHIN) Coordinator program, ensuring continued support for students' health and wellbeing.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has helped provide essential support to more than 10,000 students across the state through the dedicated work of wellbeing nurses. Now, with approximately 100 wellbeing nurses deployed across metropolitan, rural, and regional areas of NSW, serving around 400 public schools, an estimated 150,000 students will have access to this invaluable service.

In the Kiama Electorate, wellbeing Nurses are stationed at North Nowra Public School and Kiama High School. Additionally, outreach services are extended to students at Illaroo Road Public School, Bomaderry High School, Bomaderry Public School, Minnamurra Public School, Kiama Public School, Gerringong Public School, Jamberoo Public School, and Albion Park Rail Public School.

The WHIN Coordinator program, a collaborative effort between NSW Health and the NSW Department of Education, embeds wellbeing nurses in public primary and secondary schools. These nurses play a pivotal role in coordinating early intervention strategies, conducting assessments, and facilitating referrals to health and social services, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

NSW Premier Chris Minns stated, "Students receiving support from wellbeing nurses experience improved health outcomes and better educational engagement."

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car noted that the boost will provide ongoing support to students in approximately 400 public schools.

Sarah Kaine, Labor Spokesperson for Kiama, commended the NSW Government's commitment to the program, acknowledging the crucial role of wellbeing nurses in identifying the health and social needs of students and their families.