The Andrews Labor Government is extending the schools-myki project in Melbourne's western suburbs, which offers free myki cards to students experiencing homelessness or family violence, to travel to and from school.
Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced additional funding of $175,000 for the project, which will now run through to the end of 2019-20, following a successful pilot trial undertaken in four schools in Wyndham.
Early this year, WEstjustice, in partnership with the Public Transport Ombudsman, ran a small School Myki Pilot Project aimed at helping young people who are couch surfing or experiencing family violence and are reliant on public transport to travel to and from school.
Due to the success of the pilot, the Andrews Labor Government will now fund an extended project to include
10 to 15 schools in the Wyndham region throughout 2019.
The pilot showed positive results for vulnerable students, including increased school attendance and engagement, and improved mental health and wellbeing.
The extended School Myki Project has the capacity to assist hundreds of school-age youth currently struggling to afford costs associated with public transport.
The project will continue to be coordinated by WEstjustice, a locally-based community organisation, and build on the valuable support of transport and education service providers in the area.
The project's extension also builds on the Labor Government's strong record of supporting Victorians in need and giving them the chance of a bright and prosperous future.
As noted by Treasurer Tim Pallas
"All children deserve access to a quality education – we're making that happen."
"This program ensures our most vulnerable kids can continue their education and improve their prospects of a promising future."
As stated by Professor Denis Nelthorpe, CEO WEstjustice
"WEstjustice is delighted the State Government has agreed to fund the extension of this pilot project which will assist hundreds of vulnerable secondary students within the city of Wyndham."
