Council continues to support school chaplaincy program with $30,000 donation

Burdekin Shire Council has contributed $30,000 to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy Committee in support of the school chaplaincy program.

School chaplains work with students, families and staff in the school community to discuss social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual concerns.

The Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy currently provides four chaplains to work with students, parents, teachers and school staff at Ayr State School, Ayr State High School, East Ayr State School, Home Hill State School, Burdekin School and Home Hill State High School.

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said school chaplains played a vital role in the community.

“On behalf of Council and the community, I thank the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy for their presence and valuable work they do with the youth of the Burdekin,” she said.

“After speaking with some young people who have received support through this program, I can appreciate the influence of these dedicated chaplains and the change they inspire in students.

“The Burdekin is very fortunate to have such caring people who go over and above their school-based roles to assist young people deal with personal challenges.”

Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy chair Rhonda Williams said the funds would go toward the chaplains’ wages and school programs.

“We are so grateful to Burdekin Shire Council for this generous donation, which allows us to continue our level of support in the Burdekin,” she said.

“One of the activities we run as a direct result of this donation is the school holiday activity camp for kids (Shack) program in Home Hill during the June school holidays. This camp ran for four days and we had up to 50 kids per day this year, so it really was a successful program.

“With the help of this donation, we are able to sustain the high level of support we offer local youth, including our chaplain-run programs in local schools.”