Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has raised serious concerns in the NSW Parliament regarding the recent dismantling of distance education services in the Clarence and broader Northern Rivers region.
Mr Williamson is calling on the Government, the Minister for Education and Early Learning, and the Premier to take immediate action to restore these vital services.
In a Private Member’s Statement delivered in the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr Williamson highlighted the critical role that Southern Cross School of Distance Education has played in providing specialised, one-on-one education to some of the most vulnerable and at-risk students in New South Wales.
"Until recently, the Southern Cross School of Distance Education delivered exceptional education services from Coffs Harbour to the Queensland border and west to Glen Innes," Mr Williamson said.
"This highly specialised service, which was invaluable to parents, caregivers, and teachers, has been dismantled, putting the education of vulnerable children at significant risk."
Mr Williamson emphasised that the former distance education model, which included 40 dedicated teachers providing one-on-one education, had achieved outstanding results in the most disadvantaged areas of New South Wales.
"These students, who often face difficult environments, thrived under this system," he told the NSW Parliament.
“The move to replace this model with an online-only system has raised significant concerns. Not everyone in my electorate has access to the internet or the necessary technology, such as iPads or computers.
“Online learning may work well in a perfect world, but we must acknowledge that many students do not live in that perfect world."
The Southern Cross School of Distance Education also provided crucial outreach services to Aboriginal communities and operated hubs in Casino, Coraki, and Grafton.
“These hubs offered one-on-one home visits, ensuring that disengaged students were brought back into the educational system. Sadly, these students are now at risk of falling completely through the cracks," Mr Williamson warned.
“Parents have expressed their frustration and concern over the sudden closure of these services, with many reporting little to no communication about the changes.”
One parent shared, "My daughter, who has struggled with learning difficulties and a diagnosis of Autism, was thriving at the Grafton Distance Education Hub. Without the one-on-one support, I fear she will give up."
Another parent highlighted the success of her twin sons, who attended the Southern Cross School of Distance Education and are now pursuing science degrees at Southern Cross University.
"These stories show the incredible impact of the distance education model that was in place," Mr Williamson noted.
"The parents and caregivers in my electorate are demanding that the Government take control of the situation and reinstate the support that their children so desperately need.
“Without intervention, I fear that many of these kids will completely withdraw from education," he concluded.”
** A full copy of Mr Williamson’s Private Member’s Statement can be viewed here -https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1323879322-144020/link/2292
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