NEW EDUCATION FOCUS ON CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Students in Central Queensland will benefit from a new Rural and Remote Centre of Education Excellence being established in the Blackwater region.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said the centre would involve six local schools and provide a focus for innovative programs.

“Our Government is committed to improving educational and training opportunities for students, educators and schools in regional Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“The Centre of Education Excellence in the Blackwater district is one of nine similar centres being established throughout Queensland.

“The aim is to provide a focus for local 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.

“We have spread this Centre of Excellence throughout several schools in the Blackwater district in recognition of the geographic size of the region.

“Schools to be included are Blackwater High, Blackwater State School, Blackwater North State School, Bluff State School, Dingo State School and Duaringa State School.”

Mr Welford said the Government recognised there were barriers faced by schools in rural and remote areas of Queensland which required special strategies.

“More than half of all Queensland state schools are in rural and remote areas, with more than 121,000 students enrolled,” he said.

“We are looking at a number of initiatives to benefit these rural and remote students, their families, teachers and communities.

“Pilot programs such as a paid internships program for trainee teachers, a homestay program for geographically isolated students and the expansion of the Bid O’Sullivan Teaching Scholarships are already showing promise.”

Member for Fitzroy, Jim Pearce, welcomed the initiative saying it was a positive move for the young people of the region.

“This can only have benefits for our students and teachers and demonstrates the commitment of the Government to support all Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” Mr Pearce said.

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000