CSNSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said Catholic schools offices in the Armidale, Bathurst, Canberra-Goulburn, Lismore, Maitland-Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Wilcannia-Forbes dioceses have moved quickly to ease the financial strain on families by offering concessions on fees and other costs.

“Catholic school principals have always had the freedom to provide fee relief or exemptions to families who are doing it tough,” Mr McInerney said.

“Families feeling the strain because of the drought should approach their school principal to seek fee relief; all requests are always treated with absolute discretion, care and sensitivity.”

The Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese is mindful of the many farmers in his diocese who are experiencing the worst drought in recorded history.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, who grew up on a farm near Forbes, and has personal experience with the effects of drought, understands that it is practical support needed most for those experiencing hardship.

“The provision of affordable Catholic schooling should not be an added burden to the financial strain of families, especially for those in need in this time of drought,” he said.

Bishop Columba reminds families who are in difficult financial circumstances, for any reason, that they are always able to approach their school Principal to arrange relief in regard to their school fees.

“We certainly do not wish to add to the financial burden families are currently experiencing, as money should not be a barrier to children attending Catholic schools”, he said.

Bishop Columba challenges each one of us to ask ourselves, “How can I support these families in this current reality?”

If your family is suffering financial hardship for any reason and finding it difficult to pay school fees, please contact your school Principal for assistance.