Shire representatives attended a march in Bunbury on Friday 20 April 2018 to protest the imminent closure of camp schools around the State. Over 100 concerned residents and business owners marched from the Blair Street foreshore car park to Hon Adele Farina's Office in Victoria Street Bunbury.
The State Government's Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery made the announcement in December that six camp schools around the state including the Pemberton and Bridgetown Camp Schools were to close at the end of 2018, as part of sweeping education spending cuts estimated at saving $64 million, claiming the camp schools are not part of core business.
Shire President Paul Omodei is dismayed at the decision "The Shire will do everything within its power to reverse this decision. These camp schools provide a valuable hands on experience to our children and foster good student/teacher relationships".
The closure of the camp school in Pemberton will also have a negative impact economically on the town of Pemberton and other local service providers and cause direct job losses.
"In times of screen based study and sedentary lifestyles, now more than ever children need to experience the unique personal and social growth opportunities provided at camp schools", Cr Omodei added.
The Hon. Terry Redman MLA, fronted the March and spoke to the Hon. Adele Farina MLC and the assembly about the importance of camp schools, "This is about enriching the education of our greatest asset, our kids," Mr Redman said.
Since the announcement was made in December camp schools across the state have been hosting rallies and gaining signatures in an attempt to change the Government's decision.
To find out how you can show your support for our camp schools please visit the Save WA Camps facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/savewacamps/