$200,000 so the show will go on for travelling show children

The education, safety and wellbeing of Australia’s travelling show children will be boosted by an extra $200,000 over two years from the Australian Government.

Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the funding will support the primary school-aged children from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria of the National School for Travelling Show Children (NSTSC) enrolled at the Dubbo School of Distance.

This funding is in addition to the significant financial support the Australian Government is already providing for these children through the Australian Education Act 2013 and the support provided by state governments.

“Travelling shows are important to the rural and regional economy and are an iconic part of Australian culture,” Minister Pyne said.

“The travelling lifestyle of the children of our show families means they face unique challenges when it comes to accessing education.

“The Australian Government is committed to helping these children succeed in the face of these challenges, and to access a quality education.

“The funding will contribute to the ensuring that these students are educated in a safe and secure environment.”

Minister Pyne said assisting the Travelling Show children aligns with the Government’s Students First policy, focusing on four key areas that will make a difference to students:

• teacher quality
• school autonomy
• parental engagement
• strengthening the curriculum.

For more information, visit www.studentsfirst.gov.au.