Students in Kiama and 55 other schools across the Gilmore electorate will benefit from a funding boost as part of the Federal Government’s National Student Wellbeing Program. 

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips says local schools could use the one-off funding boost for additional mental health professionals or to run wellbeing programs, including excursions, to support students. 

“Many young people in our area have been really struggling with their mental health after being dealt a double blow of the Black Summer Bushfires, followed by Covid lockdowns,” Mrs. Phillips says. 

“I know how tough it has been, and I know how important it is for kids to have the support they need at school.” 

Kiama High School, which will receive $46,000, is among the schools benefiting from the initiative. Other recipients include Vincentia High School ($51,000), Ulladulla High School ($63,000), and Batemans Bay High School ($34,000).  

Every primary and high school in Gilmore will receive a boost to support student mental health and wellbeing.

“The great thing about this funding is that every school was given the flexibility to spend the additional funding in a way that best suited the immediate needs of their school community,” says Mrs. Phillips. 

Mrs. Phillips expresses how impressed she is that the Albanese Government continues to make significant investments to support the mental health of students. 

“I want to make sure our local kids want to get up in the mornings and go to school. And that they have the very best chance to succeed in both their personal and educational development,” Mrs. Phillips says. 

“As a former teacher, and a mum of four, I know that good mental health can have a massive impact on young people’s engagement with education.” 

With this funding, local schools in Kiama and across the electorate are well-equipped to foster a positive environment that supports students' mental health and sets them up for success both in and out of the classroom.