The Federal Government will provide $10 million in funds to construct a boarding house for Indigenous secondary school students in Melbourne.
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the Government is proud to be funding the boarding house which will accommodate Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) Alumni boys.
“We know the importance of supporting and securing the future of MITS to enable generations of young Indigenous students to live in a happy and safe home environment while they are away from home,” he said.
“MITS helps young people from the Northern Territory and Victoria transition to away-from-home schooling in Melbourne by providing a safe place to board.
“The Australian Government is investing in this project to ensure MITS students have a home where they can grow and learn together with other boys their age, as they pursue their educational dreams.”
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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the project will be the biggest development yet in the history of MITS.
“Unlocking this funding means MITS will be able to proceed with construction of the boarding house on an ideal property in Church Street Richmond, which has been secured on a 40-year lease,” Frydenberg said.
“The house will be built over three levels with boarding facilities for up to 40 boys, meaning 40 young Indigenous students will be given the chance to live, learn and thrive in a culturally safe space.
“This project will provide opportunity to generations of Indigenous students for years to come.”
Victorian Senator Jane Hume said this is a terrific opportunity to develop and expand these facilities which are promoting greater education for our Indigenous students.
“It is crucial that Indigenous students studying away from home are supported culturally and emotionally as they pursue a world-class education,” Hume said.
“The boarding house will be built a short distance away from MITS’s Alumni Boarding House for Girls, creating a connected community for students who are taking on the challenge of education away from home.
“This funding has allowed MITS to plan for a building that will double their boarding capacity and places them well to support students long into the future.”
Construction of the boarding house is expected to start soon, with completion expected in the 2022 academic year.