- More than 1,100 students will receive a subsidised overnight school camp on Rottnest Island
- Initiative provides financial support to families of school aged students across State
- Up to 100 per cent subsidy is available on accommodation, bike hire and educational tours
The Cook Government is supporting more than 1,100 primary and secondary students to travel to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island for an overnight school camp as part of the school camp subsidy initiative.
The cost-of-living initiative makes school camps more affordable for Western Australian families, with savings of up to $150 per child for a three-night camp.
Participating schools will receive a subsidy of up to 100 per cent on accommodation at Kingstown Barracks, bike hire from Pedal & Flipper Hire and Rottnest Island Voluntary Guides Association educational tours. Subsidised ferry transfers are also available.
Many schools are participating in the initiative for the first time, giving more Western Australian students the opportunity to experience a school camp on the popular tourism island.
Students are travelling from across Western Australia including the wheatbelt towns of Wagin and York, Mount Barker in the south and Dongara in the north.
The school camp subsidy is available for overnight bookings during term 3 this 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 the island admission fee.
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia's premier tourism destinations, enjoyed by locals as well as interstate and international visitors.
"I'm pleased that more WA school students will now have the opportunity to experience the joys of an overnight school camp at this iconic location.
"This subsidy provides families with real savings, up to $150 per student for a three-night camp."
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"School camps give students the opportunity to build new friendships, experience different environments, and create lasting memories.
"Rottnest island is ideally set up for school camps, with a range of accommodation options and the chance to learn about the island's history.
"I am pleased that this cost-of-living subsidy will enable more Western Australian students to travel to Rottnest Island for an overnight school camp.
"The Cook Government will continue to prioritise initiatives that ensure Western Australian students have the best possible education."
