ALERT
EMBARGO: 15 March 2024
The NSW Teachers Federation is ramping up its campaign to fully resource public schools in Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast, encouraging the Prime Minister to provide the funding needed to give all kids a decent shot at life.
The National School Reform Agreement has left NSW public schools grappling with a funding shortfall of approximately 11 per cent, translating to a staggering $1.9 billion this year alone. This equates to over 10,000 permanent school-based teachers.
Regional and rural communities are bearing the majority of the teacher shortfall. According to figures released this month, there were 174 vacancies in schools in the Rural North and West region (which includes Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast) affecting 69 per cent of its 252 schools.
Interview/picture opportunities
Mass meeting of teachers
Where: Naranga Public School
Who: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, and local Federation representatives
When: 8:40am Friday, 18 March
Where: Robin St, Coffs Harbour
To arrange interview: Ian Watson 0400 836 195 or Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032