In the first week of July each year, National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Each year has a theme and this year’s is ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up’. As a nation, it calls for us to continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities. Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. These events aim to educate all of us of the country we stand on, the language, history and achievements of our First Nations people.

National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony

National NAIDOC Week’s premiere event is the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony which showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence. Every year, a different focus city is chosen to host the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony.

Previous National NAIDOC Week Award Winners come from many different communities within Australia and have different backgrounds, however they are all part of NAIDOC history and share remarkable achievements.

One such winner was the Koori Mail, Australia’s only fully indigenous-owned and managed newspaper with a circulation of approximately 10,000 and an estimated readership across Australia of close to 100,000.

In its citation, the National NAIDOC Committee said that the Koori Mail is the only fully Indigenous-owned and managed newspaper in Australia. ‘Founded by a Walbunja businessman, Owen Carriage, the Koori Mail first went to print in May 1991. Published in both printed form and digitally each fortnight, it is a trusted voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

‘Based in Lismore, New South Wales, the Koori Mail was significantly impacted by the floods this year, affecting both the organisation and those who worked for it. However, the paper immediately pivoted to distribute emergency information and provide disaster relief. Their coordination and leadership provided support to First Nations people and the wider community in and around Lismore during this difficult time.’ The support included setting up a street kitchen and serving food to community members, many who had lost everything in the floods. The Koori Maiil is a a fine example to us all of what it truly means to ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up!’

References:

Echo Newspaper

NAIDOC Week 2022

National Reconciliation Week is a reminder for all Australians to contribute to achieving reconciliation for our first nation’s people in Australia, prompting all of us to learn about our shared histories and cultures.

The week always runs from 27 May to 3 June as it coincides with two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey so far: that of the 27 May, 1967 Referendum which saw an overwhelming 90% of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and recognize them in the census; and on the 3^rd June 1992, Eddie Koiki Mabo’s court challenge which lead to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands, and paved the way to Native Title.

The concept of National Reconciliation Week started in 1993, the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, as a week of prayer for reconciliation, supported by Australia’s religious communities. In 1996 the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week and in 2001, Reconciliation was formed to continue to provide leadership on reconciliation.

This same year, 2001, which saw 300,000 people cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week which prompted other cities and towns across Australia to conduct bridge walks also.

Every year now in Australia, schools, workplaces and communities come together during Reconciliation Week to support our reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations people. This year’s theme of Be Brave, Make Change, follows on from last year’s theme to Take Action. It prompts every individual, organisation and community to take steps to help bridge the gap and find reconciliation.

At The BUSY Schools (a part of The BUSY Group), our vision for reconciliation with First Nations Peoples has its origins in our commitment to have more people in jobs, more people learning new skills, and more communities exposed to positive change, in partnership with employers and industry.

We recognise that a community-led, strengths-based approach that values the experience of First Nations Peoples is the best way to accelerate improvements in their life outcomes.

To make this vision a reality it is our intention to consult with First Nations Peoples to truly understand how we can work together to create opportunities.

The BUSY Group is driven by passion and commitment to make a difference by supporting Reconciliation through our commitment to the actions outlined in our ‘Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)’ which re-enforces our genuine commitment to improve the lives of one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world and assist in driving social change.

Throughout our offices, through morning teas and group communications, we’re encouraging all of our staff this year to Be Brave, Make Change, to reach out and connect with our First Nations Peoples, and the opportunities we can provide to improve lives through career pathways, vocational skills, employment and financial independence.

More information on Reconciliation Week 2022.

The BUSY Group was lucky enough to have one of our former employees create an art piece to represent our journey. This artwork is displayed in many of our offices.

BUSY Meeting Place by Shandell Washington – Artist

This is about the journey that BUSY has taken to get where they are now.

The black symbols represent the aboriginal men and women who had lived, worked, and looked after the land before our offices came to be where they are.

I have also painted a kangaroo and emu track to represent all the animals who walked the land before we began our journey.

 The yellow circles are in a symbol that represents ‘meeting place’. For BUSY, this whole journey has been one big meeting place for everyone to come and meet with all people across the organisation to help them gain employment or start their pathway to success. 

The biggest circle in the middle is a representation of Southport where the journey began for the BUSY staff with Martin Punch, our founding director’s hand print in the middle. Below Martin’s handprint is a sea mullet. The sea mullet represents the Yugambeh people. 

While researching for my painting I got onto uncle Ted Williams and asked if I might be able to use his totem as a symbol for the head office. Uncle Ted asked if I could paint the sea mullet, as the sea mullet represents all the Yugambeh people because when the sea mullet would come in close to shore the people would go fishing and catch a big heap of fish to then take back and share with all the mob. 

The other offices are represented through totems of the traditional owners of the land that they are situated. This is to show our respect and acknowledgement of the traditional owner. Every dot on this painting represents every worker and the individuals they have helped over the years, representing the hard work that has contributed to becoming such a great organisation.

The room was bursting with sounds of cheerful laughter, lively conversation and party horns being blown with uninterrupted zeal, as students and teachers gathered to celebrate the first birthday of the school.

The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus opened on May 19th of 2021, with just 11, Year 11 students. Almost half the school year had passed, and these first students found themselves completing an entire Year 11 syllabus in just over 6 months.

A year later, these students are just a few of the 121 students currently enrolled at The BUSY Schools, Salisbury campus. Since commencing, they have completed certificates in either construction or workplace skills, acquired first aid training, white cards, or RSAs, and—in just over 6 months, they will become The BUSY Schools Salisbury’s inaugural graduating class of 2022.

After a satisfying sausage sizzle, partygoers gathered for speeches prepared by some of their teachers and peers. Students spoke of how they struggled with the culture of traditional schools before moving to The BUSY Schools, while others spoke of how the teachers at The BUSY Schools gave them the confidence to try subjects they previously considered themselves failures in.

“Learning math is important…but whether you pass or fail, that doesn’t affect your value as a human…” their math teacher asserted. This statement sums up what so many students seemed to appreciate about The BUSY Schools Salisbury—a space where they feel valued and accepted for who they are.

Founding student, Mackenzie, had some advice for his fellow students: “I think this school is pretty good. I don’t know if all of you agree. I don’t care if all of you agree. But you’re all here now so get through it, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.”

After the speeches, a special ceremony took place—the introduction and naming of BUSY BEE, The BUSY Schools Salisbury’s new mascot. Students had placed their ideas for names into a hat, with suggestions such as Bazza and Jaquaviontavious among the contenders, and the crowd waited with bated breath as Principal, Liza Page, reached into the hat and picked out the winner—Michael with his BUSY BEE entry.

The crowd burst into laughter, and the smiles stayed on their faces as they ate a delicious cake—baked and beautifully decorated by their talented classmate, Jen. This was followed by rounds of classic party games. As some students guided their blindfolded friends through a makeshift obstacle course, others tried, and mostly failed, to Pin the Stinger on the Bee. An especial crowd-pleaser was Donut on a String, where teachers, from their perch on top of the stairs, dangled donuts above the heads of their students, who attempted to eat them without the use of their hands.

“Today was insane” grins Xero, who moved to The BUSY Schools for Year 11. “Also, it was a pretty fun thing to do.”

The BUSY Schools is a unique environment where students who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from traditional schooling can continue to work towards their QCE with support and understanding while finding their pathway to future employment.

“I actually dropped out of school early, in the middle of Year 11” confesses Liza, Principal of The BUSY Schools, Salisbury, “I wished there was a school like this, so this really captures my passion.”

“We have these people watching our backs so we don’t fall” declared Aaliyah, a founding student of The BUSY Schools, Salisbury.

To students in mainstream schools who are finding themselves disengaging with their education, Year 11 student, Matthew, recommends making a change: “This school makes me want to come to school, and try, and actually put effort into my work. So come to The BUSY Schools. It will change things.”

In its first year, The BUSY Schools, Salisbury has supported the future education and employment direction of over 120 students who were otherwise unlikely to have completed senior school — and that is certainly worth the celebration.

Students and staff celebrated the first year milestone for The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus.

The past few years have been particularly disruptive for school students across the country (no thanks global pandemic!). For Adarlia this was even more so because, on top of trying to learn via distance education, being pregnant and battling severe morning sickness saw her in hospital 2-3 days per week for most of her pregnancy.

An indication of her determination and love of learning, Adarlia persisted with wanting to finish her schooling after giving birth to her beautiful baby boy Micah. This led to her enrolling at The BUSY Schools new Coolangatta campus.

Delivering an alternative learning solution for students in years 11 and 12 who are looking for an opportunity to re-engage and complete their studies, The BUSY Schools support students to complete their QCE and graduate onto a Vocational Education and Training (VET) career or into further study, including university pathways. The BUSY Schools program is designed for students who, for a variety of reasons, find traditional schooling difficult. Teachers work closely with students and their family to re-engage them with education in a nurturing environment that leads to career outcomes or further education that suits their abilities and passions. In a highly supportive, personalised and inclusive environment, the schools offer no fees, smaller classroom sizes, wellbeing support, access to vocational work experience and career pathway guidance.

The newly opened Coolangatta campus (one of four campuses across Queensland), was the welcoming and supportive schooling environment that Adarlia needed to help her complete her studies and fulfil her career goals.

Adarlia said, “I’m someone who really enjoys education, learning and study. I really wanted to finish Year 11 and 12 but had to wait until after Micah was born to enrol”.

I love it here at BUSY Schools! The teachers are so supportive and treat us like adults, not kids. My short term goal is to start an apprenticeship to get into legal studies as I would like to get into law – either family law or criminal law. My long term goal is to become a lawyer and help indigenous kids as there is a large percentage of indigenous kids in the court system”, Adarlia further stated.

A proud indigenous woman herself, whose father hails from Gilgandra country, Adarlia is hoping to gain a scholarship into further study to help her achieve her career goals.

With her determination, incredible maturity for her age, and the support she is receiving through The BUSY Schools, there is no doubt Adarlia will be an amazing role model for her son Micah and achieve her mission of becoming a lawyer and making a positive difference for indigenous kids in the legal system.

The newly-opened Coolangatta campus is accepting enrolments for Year 11 students. For more information regarding The BUSY Schools, including eligibility and enrolment, visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au or contact The BUSY Schools by emailing admin@busyschools.com.au or by calling 1300 176 472.

Adarlia (pictured with Micah), is determined to fulfil her goal to become a lawyer and make a positive difference for indigenous kids in the legal system.

Queensland’s answer to alternative education for disengaged youth, The BUSY Schools, will open its fourth campus in Coolangatta at the Gold Coast this April following the success of campuses opened in Cairns, Shailer Park and Salisbury in 2020 and 2021.

The opening of the Coolangatta campus will meet the growing demand for alternative schooling throughout Queensland for the many students who, for a variety of reasons, do not fit mainstream schooling.

CEO of The BUSY Schools Lee Aitken said the opening of the new campus provides Gold Coast students with the opportunity to engage with their learning in ways that are suited to their individual needs.

“We seek to understand the needs of the students to help re-engage them through a personalised approach for academic and employment outcomes,” he said.

“We’re really excited to be opening our fourth campus in Coolangatta, after identifying the increasing demand for alternative high schools and the need to service the southern end of the Gold Coast.”

The BUSY Schools, an independent senior secondary Special Assistance School network, provide individualised learning support, career planning, development and additional vocational training to year 11 and 12 students, with 420 students already enrolled throughout the state with that number expected to rise.

The first cohort of Coolangatta’s Year 11 students is set to commence on the 19^th April at their campus located in premises previously used by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast.

The small campus and classroom environment, which houses purpose-built classrooms, breakout rooms, a student kitchen and common room, recreation area and vocational training spaces, allow for alternative learning solutions with the support of vocational training and education through TAFE Queensland.

The BUSY Schools are an initiative of The BUSY Group, a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a range of employment, apprenticeship support and skills training for job seekers throughout Queensland, and reinvests into the community through initiatives like The BUSY Schools.

Paul Miles, Managing Director of the BUSY Group said the opening of the Coolangatta school was another significant step in supporting the Gold Coast community.

“The BUSY Schools recognises the need to support all young people to make the best start to their career. The BUSY Schools offer students who may not otherwise thrive in mainstream schooling a better change at fulfilling their education, skills and career goals.”

The BUSY Schools launched their first campus in Cairns in 2020, which proved to be a resounding success. Since then, two more campuses were opened in 2021, first in Shailer Park and then at Salisbury, all of which are experiencing strong demand.

Enrolment enquiries are being taken now for Term 2.

For more information on enrolling visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/the-enrolment-process 

It’s a new year, which means our teaching staff are working hard to plan for the year ahead, our students are enjoying their last few days of holidays before getting ready to return to school, and their parents are making sure they have everything they need for the school year.

By all accounts, it seems it’s the students who are most excited for 2022, especially our Year 12’s who will be graduating at the end of the school year. But until then, here’s what they’re most looking forward to in their final year at The BUSY Schools.

Tyler, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in Speech Pathology as a result of the work experience I completed last year.”

Jade, Year 12 student at our Shailer Park campus said, “I am really looking forward to welcoming the Year 11 students this year and being a leader for them.”

Mackenzie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I am looking forward to completing my Certificate II in Plumbing this year.”

Sophie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I can’t wait to graduate and receive all the certificates I have worked extremely hard for.”

Armin, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship in Construction.”

Kacy, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “Last year, I began a school-based traineeship in Hospitality at a wedding Venue in Coolabah Downs.”

“This year, I am looking forward to completing it and seeing what opportunities come from it once I graduate.”

Along with everything our Year 12 students are looking forward to this year, they are most excited to graduate; a goal that some of them previously believed was not possible before coming to BUSY Schools.

Isabella, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “BUSY Schools gave my mum hope and made me feel optimistic about my future.”

Prior to coming to The BUSY Schools, all students were considered disengaged with their education, but the support and encouraging environment provided at The BUSY Schools has re-engaged them with their education and focused on working life after school.

Kira, Year 12 Graduate from our Cairns campus said, “What surprised me most when I joined BUSY Schools is that there are lots of people like me out there, students that don’t fit the mould that mainstream schooling provides for.”

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “The BUSY Schools provide a nurturing, exciting and engaging place for students who have already disengaged or who may be at risk of disengaging from mainstream schooling.”

“Each year, more people are finding out about our holistic and alternative approach to learning. This year, we have over 130 students enrolled at our Cairns campus, over 175 students enrolled at our Shailer Park campus, and almost 100 students enrolled at our Salisbury campus.”

To those considering attending The BUSY Schools, a current student, Armin says, “Definitely consider it. It’s a good school and it will lead you in the right direction.”

For more information or to enrol at one of our campuses, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

The BUSY Schools Shailer Park recently hosted their Year 11 Awards Ceremony where families and friends gathered to watch the students receive awards for their efforts throughout the year, chosen by Principal, Shane Blood and his team.

Presenting the awards were Members of The BUSY Schools Board, including Jason Sessarago, Adrian King, Kerry Gibb, and CEO, Lee Aitken. Also in attendance to present was Chief Commercial Officer of The BUSY Group, Sue Loch.

The BUSY Schools Shailer Park opened its doors at the beginning of 2021, with 14 inaugural students.  Following engagement with the local community, word spread about the innovative new school in the region and by the end of the year, 79 students had completed Year 11.

Principal, Shane Blood, announced at the Awards Ceremony that Shailer Park currently has 150 students enrolled for 2022 across both Years 11 and 12.

“The growth in student numbers has been significant, and I am so proud of the way in which our students embrace and accept new students to our school,” said Shane.

Armin, a Year 11 student at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park, was awarded the Academic Champion of Social and Community studies award, as well as an Academic Excellence award in the category Silver.

“I heard about The BUSY Schools and the opportunities it gives to its students in forming their career pathways and it seemed like the right place to start,” said Armin.

“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the support from my teachers and Shane who helped me better myself and my situation.”

Kacy, another Year 11 student, couldn’t agree with her classmate more, saying “I was losing motivation for my education but then I came to The BUSY Schools where my teachers push me to do my very best and now I am the Academic Champion for Essential English and received the Gold award for Academic Excellence.”

Year 11 student Zac was another who received recognition and, in addition to receiving an Academic Excellence award in the Bronze category, he also received the Perseverance award, sponsored by The Honourable Mick de Brenni, Member for Springwood, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement.

“I received a personalised message from Mick De Brenni and a gift certificate which was really cool. I never thought I was capable of achieving so much but I am very dedicated to what I do and get back up through the tough times,” said Zac.

When presenting the award, Shane said, ”Zac has exhibited true perseverance to make it this far and to now have real plans for his future.”

With the Year 11 students moving on to Year 12 next year, the school decided to form a Student Representative Committee and appointed Jade as the Chairperson.

“I’m really excited for what this next year will bring and am looking forward to being able to be a leader and representative for not only my classmates, but also the new Year 11s that are coming in,” said Jade.

Jade was awarded the Academic Champion for Essential Mathematics, the Academic Excellence award in the Silver category and a Spirit Award for achieving 95% attendance throughout the school year.

“I was shocked when I found out I topped Maths, but I guess it shows just how far I’ve come.”

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “We are all really proud of the first Year 11 cohort at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park and the progress they have made with their education, as well as the new friendships they have formed due to the welcoming environment here. The BUSY Schools makes a difference for those students who’ve previously been disengaged with their education, by providing a safe and welcome environment for them which encourages them to re-engage in their learning.”

For more information or to enquire about enrolling in 2022, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

After opening its doors just six months ago, The BUSY Schools Salisbury has successfully completed its very first school year and recently hosted the Year 11 Awards Ceremony where families and friends gathered to watch the students receive awards chosen by their teachers and Principal, Toni Banfield.

The student who walked away with not one, but five awards was Sophie who exceeded everyone’s expectations this year, including her own.

“I dropped out of school because I frequently suffered from anxiety attacks but then I came across The BUSY Schools where I gained a lot of support from my teachers and now I am getting straight As.” said Sophie.

Sophie was presented with the Work Experience Award, Year 11 Essential Mathematics Award, Year 11 Social and Community Studies Award, Academic Excellence Award and Encouragement Award.

“The BUSY Schools has definitely made a big difference in both my life and my education,” added Sophie.

Tyler, another student at Salisbury, also feels The BUSY Schools has helped him, saying it is enjoyable and better for his mental health. Similar to Sophie, Tyler also received an Encouragement Award for demonstrating commitment to The BUSY Schools program and, despite personal challenges, remaining engaged to complete his Year 11 studies.

“I feel proud to be here and see how the environment and people around me change for the better,” said Tyler.

Owen, another Year 11 student, received the Certificate I in Construction Encouragement Award for helping to build the campus kitchen benches.

Chris, Trainer at Registered Training Organisation, Skill360, delivered the Construction course at The BUSY Schools Salisbury and said, “Owen is a natural; he ran the workshop and showed everyone else how it should be done, it’s clear we couldn’t have built the kitchen benches without him.”

Owen has always had an interest in construction and helped his Pop build things around the house growing up. He’s also recently helped build a small two bedroom house for work experience, which he really enjoyed.

Another year 11 student, Isabella, is thriving in both her work experience and studies, saying “I’m happy, socially engaged and excelling towards my future in community services.”

Isabella also received this year’s Principal Award for consistently modelling The BUSY Schools values, demonstrating excellence and dedication to both the academic and industry programs, maintaining consistent attendance, and going ‘above and beyond’ in the life of a BUSY School student.

“I am forever grateful to The BUSY Schools for supporting me and guiding me to be a better version of myself.”

Principal, Toni Banfield, and the teaching staff found it quite difficult to pick just one award winner for most categories, as many students performed to a high standard and all to the best of their abilities.

“Since welcoming students onto campus earlier this year, we have experienced much success. We have tripled in student numbers, have laid the foundations for our campus culture and we have witnessed each and every young person take steps along the road of success,” said Toni.

“Our students continue to grow in character and in demonstrating our BUSY values of excellence, resilience, innovation, inclusivity and integrity. It is a pleasure and a privilege to walk beside them on their journey.”

In attendance on the day were Members of The BUSY Schools Board, including Kerry Gibb and CEO, Lee Aitken, Managing Director of The BUSY Group, Paul Miles, Chief Operating Officer of The BUSY Group, Leonie Carlisle, and Acting CEO of Group Training Organisation, Skill360, Mike Bareham, who each presented awards from a particular category.

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “More families are hearing about the positive effect BUSY Schools has on students, so much so that the number of students enrolled is growing every day. The Salisbury campus currently has 85 students enrolled for 2022 across both Years 11 and 12.”

The Year 11 students are excited to meet all the new students attending The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus next year and strongly encourage more teenagers to consider enrolling at The BUSY Schools if they are struggling in mainstream schooling.

For more information or to enrol for 2022, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

Thanks to the support and guidance of staff at BUSY Schools Salisbury, a group of Year 11 students are building more than just their career pathways, as they work towards completing a Certificate I in Construction.  The course is delivered through Skill360, a Registered Training Organisation and also a part of the BUSY Group. During the course, over two school terms, the students are learning to build cabinetry for the school kitchen.

Sebastian and Taylor are two students whose attendance were low at their previous schools, but now find themselves more motivated and actually wanting to show up to their classes.

“It’s a really good environment to be in, everyone is super friendly and accepting which is a nice change,” said Taylor.

“The teachers are also more involved in your schoolwork and offer one-on-one support for those students who require further assistance.”

Sebastian recently passed a Mathematics assessment for the first time in a long time which he was really proud of, especially since it is one of his favourite subjects.

“The teachers took the time to sit down and go through the work with me so I could understand it better, rather than just telling me what to do and expecting me to figure it out on my own,” said Sebastian.

“BUSY Schools has helped me out so much since I have been here, especially with this Construction course which will hopefully lead to a career in Carpentry or Plumbing.”

Taylor is also really enjoying the Construction course as she is learning new skills and has become more confident. In addition, to the Certificate I in Construction, Taylor is also completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology as part of her school-based apprenticeship which she attends every Friday.

“I find the hands-on work quite interesting and the best part about this experience is being able to get out into the workforce and learn everything about it,” said Taylor.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools said, “BUSY Schools prepares students for life after school by providing real career support with planning for each individual pathway, relevant vocational education and training courses, work experience and school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. This not only builds their confidence, but also prepares and gives them a head start with the vocational skills and experience to kick start their careers.”

For more information, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

Sebastian (L) and Taylor (R) are students at BUSY Schools Salisbury and are completing a Certificate I in Construction as part of their school curriculum.

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

Education Minister Grace Grace today congratulated ‘The BUSY Schools’ on the opening of their new school campus in Salisbury, Brisbane, at the location where parts of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge were once built.

“This new special assistance school is building bridges of a different kind today, creating engaging pathways between school and employment to forge brighter futures for young students,” Ms Grace said.

“The Queensland Government will provide around $500,000 of recurrent funding this year towards supporting The BUSY Schools to operate across Queensland, with sites already open for business at Shailer Park and Cairns.

“We also provided $10,000 to The BUSY Schools this year as part of the 2020-21 Spotlight Schools initiative, upon recommendation from Independent Schools Queensland,” Ms Grace said.

“The Spotlight School initiative highlights quality standards in alternative educational settings, and emphasises collaboration across all sectors to identify, scale-up and showcase evidence-based best practice.

“I acknowledge The BUSY Group not-for-profit, together with the Federal Government, which fund the bulk of the costs required to keep ‘The BUSY Schools’ special assistance schools open.

“The Queensland Government operates 42 Special Assistance Schools across Queensland along with two other sites located within mainstream non-state schools, together supporting some 4,100 students.

“This is one of our key strategies for keeping students, at risk of disengaging, active and involved with their education and connecting them with real career possibilities that interest them.”

The BUSY Schools Salisbury Principal Toni Banfield said that currently about 40 students have started attending, with an expanded capacity of around 140 students expected within a few years.

“Our school offers purposeful academic and vocational skills pathways to support students to re-engage in senior schooling and explore career pathways leading to employment outcomes. Students have access to specialist staff who help keep them engaged by giving them individualised support and by encouraging them to set and achieve meaningful goals.

“Five of our students have already achieved school-based apprenticeships in areas ranging from commercial cookery, engineering and construction to community services and hairdressing.

“We’d like to thank both the Queensland Government and local employers for their support.”

In 2019, the Department of Education formed a Statement of Commitment with non-state schooling peak bodies to support high quality standards for alternative education settings, in both the state and non-state sector.

Education Minister Grace Grace was represented by Peter Russo, Member for Toohey, at today’s official opening.

In Photo from L – R: Lee Aitken (CEO for BUSY Schools), Peter Russo (Member for Toohey), Bella Scia Scia (Student), Mackenzie Johnson-Cremin (Student), Dr Kamal Dhaliwal (Director of BUSY Schools) and Toni Banfield (Principal, BUSY Schools Salisbury campus. 

Media Enquiries:

Michelle Ryan, The BUSY Group
Phone: 0407 169 029
Email: michelle.ryan@thebusygroup.com.au