The Morrison-McCormack Government is providing $10 million of funding to construct a boarding house which will enable 40 Indigenous school students to access the best in secondary education at a range of Melbourne schools.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government is proud to be funding the boarding house which will accommodate Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) Alumni boys.
"We know the importance of supporting and securing the future of MITS to enable generations of young Indigenous students to live in a happy and safe home environment while they are away from home," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"MITS helps young people from the Northern Territory and Victoria transition to away-from-home schooling in Melbourne by providing a safe place to board.
"The Australian Government is investing in this project to ensure MITS students have a home where they can grow and learn together with other boys their age, as they pursue their educational dreams."
Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said the project will be the biggest development yet in the history of MITS.
"Unlocking this funding means MITS will be able to proceed with construction of the boarding house on an ideal property in Church Street Richmond, which has been secured on a 40-year lease," the Treasurer said.
"The house will be built over three levels with boarding facilities for up to 40 boys, meaning 40 young Indigenous students will be given the chance to live, learn and thrive in a culturally safe space.
"This project will provide opportunity to generations of Indigenous students for years to come."
Minister Wyatt said that access to education is a critical building block in the early stages of life.
"The Government is ensuring that Indigenous Australians have equal opportunity and access to education – because if we get education right, then we set ourselves up for better futures."
Senator for Victoria Jane Hume said this is a terrific opportunity to develop and expand these facilities which are promoting greater education for our Indigenous students.
"It is crucial that Indigenous students studying away from home are supported culturally and emotionally as they pursue a world-class education," Senator Hume said.
"The boarding house will be built a short distance away from MITS’s Alumni Boarding House for Girls, creating a connected community for students who are taking on the challenge of education away from home.
"This funding has allowed MITS to plan for a building that will double their boarding capacity and places them well to support students long into the future."
Today’s announcement builds on the Morrison-McCormack Government’s support for Indigenous education, including $2.1 million to construct a new Alumni Boarding House for MITS girls.
Construction of the boarding house is expected to start shortly, with completion anticipated in the 2022 academic year.