The NSW Department of Education has announced it is working to support school communities affected by the summer bushfires to ensure a successful return to school for as many students as possible.
The Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell said the work was a mammoth task, with the repair bill sitting at approximately $20 million.
“Communities in both Northern and Southern NSW have experienced an absolutely harrowing bushfire season, impacting many of our local schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have seen school damage ranging from critical in the communities of Bobin and Wytaliba, to lost fences, burnt outdoor play equipment and contamination from ash and fire retardant across other parts of the State,” she said.
“We know schools are at the heart of communities and will play an important role in the recovery from these fires.”
Ms Mitchell said the Department expected all schools to be open for the first day of term.
She encouraged students and families who had been affected directly and indirectly to seek practical help through government and non-government agencies such as the NSW Government’s Office of Emergency Management.
She said the Office of Emergency Management had a list of bushfire recovery assistance contacts including: emergency accommodation; animal welfare; recovery allowances and payments; farm and business assistance; legal assistance; water assistance; and counselling.
“Affected staff can seek support through the Department’s Employee Assistance Program during the holiday and in term time,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Counselling will be available for students and staff through their school once term begins.”
Ms Mitchell said advice about preparing for the start of school was on the Department’s ‘Back to School’ page.
Further information on government and non-government schools that are not operational can be accessed at this PS News link after 28 January.
