NEW CENTRES TO SUPPORT REGIONAL EDUCATION

The State Government will establish nine Rural and Remote Centres of Excellence as part of a new blueprint to strengthen educational opportunities in regional Queensland.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the Centres were part of a three-year plan to improve support for students and teachers in rural and remote communities.

“We want every student – no matter where they live – to be able to pursue the educational pathways necessary to achieve their dreams,” Mr Welford said.

“This new strategy – the Rural and Remote Education Framework for Action 2006-2008 - builds on work already done and responds to the social, technological and economic issues which impact on educational opportunities in regional Queensland.

“It identifies more than 60 initiatives to drive educational and training opportunities for students, educators and schools in rural and remote areas.

“The new specialised Centres of Excellence will provide a focus for Principals and teachers to share success stories and co-ordinate professional development.

“They will become a focal point for regional communities to identify needs and drive positive outcomes for students, teachers and schools.

“The Centre of Excellence may be established in one location or spread throughout several schools in a practical recognition of the geographic size of the region.”

At the Isolated Children’s Parent’s Association (ICPA) State Conference today, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, Bonny Barry, announced the first Rural and Remote Education Centre of Excellence would be established in Mt Isa.

“The first Centre will comprise a cluster of local schools,” Ms Barry said.

“These are Cloncurry State School, Boulia State School, Camooweal State School, Mt Isa Central State School, Richmond State School and Sunset State School.”

Over half of all state schools in Queensland are located in remote and rural areas of Queensland with more than 121,000 students enrolled.

“This has been recognised by new initiatives such as the homestay program, a pilot for pre-service teachers and more teaching scholarships for regional students,” Mr Welford said.

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000