Chaplains from Kyabram, Lancaster, Murchison and Mooroopna gathered at the Kyabram Uniting Church on October 3, to speak with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell about the importance of chaplaincy in regional communities.
During a round table discussion, the five school-based chaplains shared insights into their multifaceted roles, emphasising how they create safe, nurturing environments for students and develop engaging workshops to support young people's wellbeing.
They said chaplains were often a first point of contact for vulnerable students experiencing domestic violence and sexual abuse, with all five saying they have had to write formal reports to police regarding student comments to them.
The purpose of the meeting with Mr Birrell, aside from celebrating chaplaincy, was also to raise awareness of the importance of chaplains in the community and advocate for more funding.
Currently, the National Student Wellbeing Program is a federal program put in place to support the student and school community through chaplaincy.
Richard Kolega, the regional community manager for Korus Connect, explained that while the Federal Government contributes $61.4 million to the program, this funding limits NSWP supported chaplains to only eight hours a week.
Korus Connect is a chaplaincy organisation that works with schools and communities to employ chaplains through NSWP funding, with110 chaplains employed to cover 150 schools across Victoria.
Using the Kyabram P-12 College as an example, of the two chaplains employed David Czech works two days a week and is mostly funded by the government, while Elizabeth Spicer’s chaplaincy is supported 50 per cent by the school while the other is funded through the Chaplaincy Support Group.
Mr Birrell said he would discuss a proposal to increase funding with two Labor MPs who he knows have connections to chaplaincy.
The Chaplaincy Support Group will celebrate its 23rd year at the Parkland Golf Club on Friday, October 11, with Richmond Football Club chaplain, Rev. Geoff Shepherd, the guest speaker.
To attend the event, contact Sue on 0400 565 052 or email fabflowers@bigpond.com
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