NEWS 05
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 6 JULY 2023
Kaziw Meta in top 10 of national education awards Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc has made the national top 10 in the 2023 Australian Education Awards for their work in support of First Nations students and their families and community. “We are very excited at Torres Strait Kaziw Meta for being short listed for the Best First Nations Program,” Acting
CEO Tom Dunsmore said. “They received a large number of applications and we are one of 10 Excellence Awardees shortlisted for the main award.” The Best First Nations Education Program award was a new category in the prestigious excellence awards, sponsored by CompliSpace, to recognise schools which foster
positive physical and mental health outcomes for the students they teach. “We are proud to support the inaugural Best First Nations Education Program award,” CompliSpace Head of Operations Rachel Partis told The Educator magazine in March this year. “This award shines a light on the many creative and
meaningful programs that nurture First Nations identity and culture to provide quality education in an inclusive environment.” The winners in each category will be announced at the Australian Education Awards official gala event and awards ceremony on Friday 11 August 2023 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
The Best First Nations Program award recognises the best first nations education program developed by a school in Australia. When judging this category the following criteria was considered: • How the school was developing skills and attitudes that drive positive physical and mental health outcomes for Indigenous students • Examples of constructive partnerships with parents and community members • Training and support provided to, and by teachers, for a safe and supportive school environment for all • Examples of how the school provides quality education in a culturally inclusive environment • Tangible outcomes of the program, with a focus on the last two years
Freecall 1800 732 850 Email enquiries@ wakai-waian. com.au 40 Douglas St Thursday Is. Our very own cultural safe, Psychological and Counselling support service that delivers to youme first nations and non-indigenous people throughout “Zenadth Kes” region. The Social, emotional wellbeing bor youme in the community e responsibility and business bor youme everyone.
NATIONAL TOP 10: Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Dance Team performing at Tagai State College Culture Day. Pics supplied.
End of Term Rewards Ceremony and Prizes for Boarders of Torres Strait Kaziw Meta
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Dance Team performing for special visitors to Thursday Island.
Child Care Subsidy on the rise Changes to the Child Care Subsidy took effect from last Friday to deliver cheaper child care for families. From 10 July, most families with children in early childhood education and care will receive more money back in their pockets through the Child Care Subsidy, including some who were previously not eligible. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said it was great news for more than one million families across Australia. “What we’re doing here is important and it’ll make a big difference for a lot of families,” he said. “It’s good for parents, but it’s also good for businesses, who are screaming out for skilled workers.
“And most important of all, it’s good for our children. “This isn’t babysitting. “This is early education. “And every day, every moment in early education better prepares our children for school and for life. “So this is the trifecta: good for children, good for parents, good for our country.” Queensland Senator Nita Green said the changes would benefit more than 280,000 Queensland families. “This will be real cost-ofliving relief for many local families, and an opportunity for more families to work, grow and thrive in our wonderful community,” she said.
The changes will cut costs by about $1700 a year for the average family on about $120,000 a year, who have a child in care three days a week. For families on a combined income of $80,000 or less, the Child Care Subsidy rate will lift to 90 per cent. For families with two or more children aged five or under in care, the higher subsidy of up to 95 per cent will remain. The number of Indigenous children in early education will also be boosted by increasing the eligibility hours for subsidised child care each fortnight. Families can now calculate their Child Care Subsidy by visiting www.childcaresubsidy. gov.au
ENROLNOW BOARDING IN CAIRNS YEAR 7-12 Home away from home All excursions and meals provided Academies of Excellence in Sports, the Arts and Hospitality Wide range of VET courses
www.djarragun.qld.edu.au | 07 4043 3777
