- Increased
number of WA school children will have the opportunity to experience
Rottnest Island
- New
initiative by the Cook Labor Government makes overnight school camps more affordable
and accessible for schools in lower-socio economic areas, potentially
saving families over $80 per child for an overnight camp
- Subsidy
available on accommodation, bike hire and Rottnest Volunteer Guides
Association educational tours, as well as discounted fare transfers
More Western
Australian school children will have the opportunity to experience Rottnest
Island, with a new Cook Government initiative making overnight school camps
more affordable.
Eligible
public schools in lower-socio economic areas will be subsidised up to 100% of
accommodation fees to visit the island during Term 3, 2024, as well as receive
a discount of up to 100% on ferry transfers.
They will also be able to access discounted bike hire from Pedal &
Flipper and educational tours delivered by the Rottnest Volunteer Guides
Association, potentially saving families over $80 per child for an overnight
camp and more than $150 per child for a 3-night camp.
Over 550
public schools are eligible for the subsidy and can apply to be part of the
program from today for Term 3 next year.
The
subsidies are in addition to those available to all school groups throughout
the year, which includes a 40 per cent accommodation discount for school group
bookings, discounted rates on bike hire, and waiving of island admission fee.
For more
information and to apply, visit www.rottnestisland.com/campsubsidy
Comments attributed to Tourism
Minister Rita Saffioti
"Rottnest Island is an iconic Western
Australian tourism destination, attracting thousands and thousands of people
from around the world each year.
"This fantastic initiative will make Rottnest
Island more affordable for Western Australian students, potentially saving families
over $80 per child for an overnight camp, and more than $150 per child for a
3-night camp.
"We want to ensure students have the
opportunity to enjoy all that Rottnest Island has to offer, and we are really
proud that we're making it accessible for more schools across the State.
"The island itself is an incredible
experience with great education opportunities and will give students lifelong
memories to reflect on in years to come."
Comments attributed to Education
Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Camps and excursions are a very
exciting part of being a school student and are a fantastic way to provide
students with new learning experiences outside the classroom.
"Rottnest Island provides a great
hands-on teaching environment for lessons on conservation, culture, military
history and the natural environment, so I hope eligible schools get on board
with this wonderful initiative."
