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Student wellbeing and holistic education support through National School Chaplaincy Program advocated by Russell Broadbent

The National School Chaplaincy Program supports student wellbeing through diverse approaches, adapting to school needs. Chaplains play a vital role by fostering safe environments, identifying issues, and offering holistic support.

By news@gippsland - 9th August 2023 - Back to News

The National School Chaplaincy Program has supported the wellbeing of students and school communities since its establishment in 2006. The program supports more than 3,000 school communities each year. The National School Chaplaincy Program has played a valuable role in supporting student wellbeing in school communities in a variety of ways, adapting delivery for both the student and the school environment.

The thousands of public submissions states the fact that the National School Chaplaincy Program value is clear, and that government support is crucial amid growing student needs

Diverse student support

Each school has bespoke arrangements, often determined by need, location and the socio demographic make-up of the community. Types of offerings are far reaching and can include individual student support, breakfast clubs, simply checking with students during lunch breaks or even joining a game of soccer. There is indirect support as well, with services for the broader school community, teachers, support admin staff, parents, carers and families.

A recent review of the program found that chaplains simply being present is critical because they can create a more safe and supportive school environment; identify and respond to wellbeing issues early - for example:

• Identifying behavioural or social issues and helping students with strategies to overcome them
• Empower students by providing them with encouragement, advice and strategies
• Build relationships with students
• Provide a stable and consistent adult figure or role model
• Be available for students by acting as an approachable go-to person that is viewed as separate from other staff

Students have faced significant pressures over recent years, from natural disasters to the COVID pandemic and extended state lockdowns.

Youth wellbeing crisis

We're seeing a decline in student participation in sporting activities and community events, exacerbating social isolation and loneliness. There was a report yesterday that found that - as reported on 3AW, which drew my attention to it - loneliness is a factor across our society, but the report found it was most prevalent in 14- to 24-year-olds. They had the biggest problem with loneliness, and it talks about that isolation.

The number of young people experiencing mental health challenges has also risen over recent years, from one in five children to one in four. The current cost-of-living pressures being faced by families across the country only exacerbate that pressure and highlight the need for more of these trusted services like the National School Chaplaincy Program.

Student wellbeing investment

One of the key measures in the budget for students is the student wellbeing boost, a Labor election commitment. Before the election, the Prime Minister promised that this would fund school counsellors and psychologists, with extra funding for camps and excursions, as well as sporting and social activities, that improve children's wellbeing.

The total commitment of the package was $203.7 million over two years, and this included $10.8 million to develop a mental health check tool. This left $192.9 million to deliver mental health and wellbeing support services to students.

The department advised that there are around 4,046,000 primary and secondary students in Australia. If you deduct that $10.8 million, which is going to be used to develop a mental health check tool, this leaves around $47.67 per student. What sort of wellbeing boost can be delivered for $48?

Public input diversity

More than 10,000 public submissions were made to the government. A high proportion of respondents - 25 percent - were parents and guardians, 14 per cent were other members of the public and 14 per cent were teachers. More than 43 per cent of respondents to the survey were based in Queensland, and 74 per cent of those were not school based stakeholders.

The evaluation found that the National School Chaplaincy Program allowed a holistic approach to wellbeing, meaning chaplains could work alongside students and others to identify and respond to different wellbeing needs. This means chaplains can identify and respond to all wellbeing needs like:

• Mental
• Physical
• Social
• Spiritual
• Intellectual
• Economic

It's a great program.We had a chaplain at school. I went to a church based school. Our chaplain was a popular member of the staff contingent, and I remember with fondness his ability to move easily amongst the students.

Program endorsement

This program has been an excellent program, and I expect the government will continue on in support of students at this time when they've never ever needed this program more than they do today.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mrs Archer):
Is there a seconder for the motion?

Mr Wallace:
I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
  Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Darren Chester celebrates Lakes Entrance musician Dr Megan Burslem advancing classical music nationally via ABC
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised Lakes Entrance-born musician Dr Megan Burslem for promoting classical music nationally through ABC Classic, ABC TV, and her new series, Front Row.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
  Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.