SEVEN Inverell district schools have received funding under the Australian Government's National School Chaplaincy Program.

Inverell Primary, Gilgai Public, Delungra Public, Tingha Public, Ross Hill Public, Ashford Central and Inverell High schools will receive funding to support the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of students.

NSW Nationals Senator Sandy Macdonald said a number of schools across the electorate would receive a grant of up to $20,000 a year over three years to provide support for students.

"Chaplains will be expected to provide general religious and personal advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious beliefs," he said.

The Australian Government has invested $115 million over three years to make vital chaplaincy services available to all schools across the country.

Mr Macdonald said the program would help many schools access these services for the first time.

"Many schools have never been able to access this type of chaplaincy services before, but will now be able to provide better counselling and care services for their school community," he said.

"Many schools will now also be able to expand their current chaplaincy services.

"I would encourage those schools which have not yet put in an application for this program to do so.

"Round two of the National School Chaplaincy Program will commence in early July."

Schools which were unsuccessful in round one of the program will automatically have their application placed in round two.

Further information is available on the internet at www.dest.gov.au/schools/chaplains or by phoning the program hotline, 1300 363 079.

© 2007 Inverell Times

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