25/11/04
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter has today announced a new $6.6million boarding school facility for students in the Kimberley.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government had formed a partnership with the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia to build the 64-bed facility in Broome.
The State Government would contribute $4.4million to the project, with the Catholic Education Commission to contribute $2.2million.
The Minister said work on the facility would commence immediately and it was expected to be open and ready for students in 2006.
"I recently met with the Bishop of Broome, the Most Reverend Christopher Saunders, to discuss the hostel proposal," he said.
"The State Government's Country High School Hostels Authority (CHSHA) and the Catholic Education Office (the administrative arm of the Catholic Education Commission) have also been working closely together on the proposed facility, so I am very happy to be able to announce today that the project will now go ahead as planned."
Bishop Saunders said he was very pleased such a facility was being developed.
"This is a great example of how an effective partnership can bring great benefits to our communities," he said.
Mr Carpenter said the new multi-million dollar facility would provide accommodation for both Government and non-Government school students from across the region.
Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said this was a great outcome for students from rural and remote communities and said they and their families would welcome the news.
"Currently, about 10 West Kimberley students at the St Mary's College in Broome are boarding with local families," Ms Martin said.
"The CHSHA has 15 West Kimberley students boarding at Geraldton, while more than 50 other students attend boarding schools as far away as Esperance, Perth and Darwin.
"Many of these students are boarding a very long way from their home and have found it difficult being so far away from their families.
"This had adverse effects on their education, as they have often changed schools to be closer to their families or returned home before completing their schooling.
"This is great news and I am looking forward to seeing the hostel open in 2006."
Mr Carpenter said the proposed site of the hostel was on State Government land behind the existing Broome Senior High School. He said it was part of the high school reserve and was readily available.
A partnership agreement is currently being drafted. Under the agreement, the Catholic Education Office will build the facility, which will be owned and operated by the CHSHA once completed.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
