Service for School Refusers

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I wish to acknowledge a new service that has been started in the Maitland area to support youth in our community. The service seeks to re-engage young people that have given up on attending school and is a collaboration between Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation, two Hunter high schools and PCYC. Former School Principal Gab McIntosh is leading the volunteer program, Help for School Refusers, which works with each individual former students to plan what comes next for them; whether it be work experience, employment or even returning to school. The program runs three days a week in central Maitland and is for those aged between 12-17 years old who have not attended school in six months or over. For many of these young people often both parents and the schools feel they have run out of options. The program offers basic English and Maths lessons as well as some fun activities. The service acknowledges that anxiety and depression are major issues for these students. Parents or caregivers are welcome to attend the program as a support. Congratulations to Ms McIntosh and all involved in the program.