Students boarding within the NT have received a boarding allowance for some years and now the Northern Territory Department of Education has approved an Interstate Boarding Allowance that will provide some financial assistance towards boarding costs for students attending an interstate boarding facility.

“We are so pleased, the Territory Government has really taken our feedback on board, our members will be thrilled,” NT ICPA president Tiani Cook said.

NT ICPA members have been seeking support for students boarding interstate for several years, and Boarding Portfolio Leader Sarah Cook said ICPA’s voluntary work behind this announcement is absolutely worth it, for the benefit to remote Territory families.

“There are many reasons families choose to send their children to an interstate boarding school, including location of extended family, extracurricular programs and travel efficiencies,” Ms Cook said.

“Having the right boarding school ‘fit’ for students and families who live in the bush requires sacrifices on many levels, not least financial sacrifice.

“This allowance will make a real difference to our members and it’s an honour to be part of an organisation who can benefit education in the bush.”