FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO EASE SCHOOL CAMP COSTS FOR WA FAMILIES
BY ASAD KHAN
The Cook Labor Government has unveiled a $2.4 million funding initiative to ease the financial burden on Western Australian families struggling with the rising cost of living.
The new funding will support over 560 public schools across the state, focusing on those in lower socio-educational areas, ensuring more students can experience the life-changing benefits of school camps.
Minister for Culture and Arts, David Templeman, emphasized the significant value of school camps in fostering personal growth and development in young people.
"School camps provide opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, build friendships, and create lifelong memories,"
"This funding will ensure that more students, regardless of their family’s financial situation, can access these important experiences," he said.
Of the total $2.4 million, $1.5 million will be allocated to recreation camps in Perth and Albany. At the same time, $896,000 will go toward fee waivers at various Department of Education-operated sites, including Broome Camp School and camps leased to Fairbridge WA. Priority will be given to schools in areas with higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage.
The funding aims to reduce the financial barriers that many families face when sending their children on school camps, a cost that can often prevent some students from participating in these enriching activities.
Minister for Culture and Arts, David Templeman
Minister Templeman, who has personal experience as both a former school teacher and a participant in school camps, reflected on the lasting impact these experiences can have.
"I still remember my first school camp in Year 7, when we went to Kalbarri, and later trips to Penguin Island and Shark Bay," he shared.
"For many kids, it’s their first time away from their families, and it’s an experience they share with their peers. It creates lifelong memories and plays an important role in their development into young adults."
This funding announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the state government to address the increasing financial pressures on families while ensuring that all students have equal access to educational and developmental opportunities.
With school camps playing a vital role in helping children grow and build resilience, Templeman expressed his hope that this initiative would make a positive difference for students across Western Australia.
"School camps help build young citizens, and I’m so pleased that this $2.4 million will help more kids get access to those experiences," he said.
The funding will be distributed in time for the upcoming school year, benefiting thousands of students across the state.
Listen to Ngaarda Media's Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with Minister David Templeman: