Congress Community Development and Education Unit Ltd

Ministerial Briefing

Shalom Christian College Funding Shortfall

STAT.1127.001.0121

190 Hervey Range Road

Condon, Qld 4815

P.O. Bex 607

Thuringowa Cent ral Q 4817

p: (07) 47735077

f: (07) 47735307

e: infD(fP ccdeu.org.au

W: www.ccd cu.u.B .a u

I Situation

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ELDERS CHE CENTRE

1. Shalom Christian College is a major Indigenous developed and operated educational initiative in North Queensland with 400+ Indigenous students (250 are boarders from years 4-12, Yrs. 7-12 are currently funded for Boarding).

2. Shalom's educational programs are diverse both in terms of program offerings and geographic locations. They are seamlessly designed to holistically address the unique needs of Indigenous students from across Queensland (including the Torres Strait), The Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia (see Appendix 1 Student Enrollment Intake Map)

• Townsville Campus: P-12 Day School and Boarding offering Academic programs, Sports Academy, Trade Training Centre, Vocational Educational Training (e.g. through the Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development, Binnacle, PASS, TAFE partnerships)

• Crystal Creek Campus: Middle School and Outdoor Education Centre. Transition/School Readiness Programs, Traditional Sciences, Language Centre

• Herberton Campus: Junior School boarding Yrs. 4-7 to be launched in July 2012. Full parent program, including education and training

• Burdekin Campus: An Australian first. Indigenous Agricultural College catering to senior (Yrs. 10-12) boarding students. Plans are in train to take post-secondary students in rural subjects.

3. Shalom Christian College has made Significant strides in advancing positive outcomes in Indigenous education. NAP LAN results prove this as over the last reporting period Shalom performed better than statistically similar schools (Australian Government My Schools Website)

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4. The Board of Shalom has invested heavily and is continuing to invest heavily in the future of Indigenous students from regional and remote communities.

5. We have undertaken a range of measures to validate our position including a report commissioned by Bentleys Accountants and Business Advisory Services and KPMG.

6. KPMG's report shows that 25% of educational income spend, is directed toward costs of Health prevention and treatment at Shalom Christian College. There exists a immense issue in terms of poor health outcomes adversely effecting the successful engagement of Indigenous students. Shalom places a major emphasis on addressing the outcomes of Indigenous students' health as a precursor to their effective engagement in education. For a detailed breakdown and trend analysis please refer to appendix 2.

7. The Board is addressing these and other outcomes through a range of submissions (e .g. for a Super Clinic; and Disability Access) and is also funding applications (e.g. partnering with Skills Queensland to put 100 people in three regions in construction pathways to employment). The Board has also engaged the KPMG Workforce Plan by investing in pathways and cadetship to develop Indigenous teachers as a part of our Indigenous Employment Strategy and growing pathways for our Indigenous staff as well as our students.

I Complication

1. Shalom Christian College is a significant development partner working with Indigenous communities to improve Indigenous educational outcomes. The College has implemented a progressive educational program; however it is faCing a funding shortfall of $4 million dollars under the present funding framework.

2. This funding shortfall will adversely impact the progress being made in advancing and strengthening Shalom's Indigenous education programs which are not only holistic in their approach but importantly engage Indigenous communities and students into making real and positive inroads into improved educational outcomes.

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3. There has been a rapid increase in student demand with enrolment numbers increasing, creating a need for forward projections particularly with the Rural Training College Burdekin opening and the Herberton junior School campus about to open. This has created a situation where:

a. Impact = present resources are stretched to support all students at the same levels as in the past, plus there are new expectations arising in terms of educational delivery that accompany such growth.

b. Many students come from the NT and WA (however federal resources are directed to those states but funding doesn't accompany students to their chosen school i.e. Shalom Christian College.

c. Recurrent funding needs to be released by the Government to support the Boarding component of the Herberton campus model which will break new ground in meeting needs at both ends of the educational disconnection cycle within families of both children and their parents.

2. The only income streams are per capita funding through the school census, and Abstudy boarding allowance/s. Our investment in new facilities/campuses was enabled through the BGA, Federal Stimulus Package - however the capital shortfall of just over $4m will seriously impact on educational delivery and help stall progress being made in terms of student academic and employment outcomes.

3. DEEWR is looking into emergency short term assistance as Shalom Christian College was impacted by cyclone Yasi with the reSUlting need for power upgrade (cost $300k)

I Resolution

1. The Board of CCDEU Ltd wish to negotiate a policy setting to overcome the present funding arrangement which prevents among other much needed initiatives programs being offered to junior Students. Faith was expressed by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) in granting Shalom accreditation for Junior Boarding, which was based on increasing levels of parent and community pressure to enroll younger students in boarding. (Testimonials can be provided) .

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2. The Government has a real opportunity to partner with Shalom under a revised

policy setting to enable a more effective approach into closing the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Appendix 1: Shalom Student enrollment 2011

o East Arnhem - 37.65%

o Qld - 46 (from Mt Isa to TOl res Strait and througllout Cape York) - 18.62%

E Townsville (day students) - 14.1%

o Darwin - 8.09%

o Indulkana - 5.66%

C Palumpa - 3.23%

o 8algo Hills - 2.42%

o Kalumburu " 2.42%

Ngukurr" 2.42%

o Numbulwar - 2.42%

o Kintor,,- 1.61%

o Alice Springs - 1.21%

o BalgoHiIIs 0

Kinl0re Alice Springs

Olndulkana

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Appendix 2: Shalom Health and Wellbeing Statistics and Trend Analysis 2002 to present

In 2002, construction commenced on a Health & Well-being Centre to house trained medical

staff along with appropriate facilities. Built at a cost of $390,000 the center was opened in

2003 and accommodated a Registered Nurse (employed term time), Counsellor, Community

liaison Officer and an Assistant Principal Pastoral Care (0.6FTE).

In 2007 we collated our data from 2004-2007 and applied to OATSIH forfurther necessary

resources.

The OATSIH application resulted in funding for an additional Counsellor and Registered

Nurse in 2008.

The aims for the Shalom Christian College HWB program include :

• improving the health status of students;

• providing all aspects of primary health care;

• a specific focus on improving ear, sexual and dental health; and

• a specific focus on mental health, substance abuse and the social and emotional wellbeing of students.

Year Total SCC Enrolment Substance Chronic Disease Self-harm or

Enrolment from Remote Use suicide threats / Communities attempts

2004 361 122 60 9 3

2005 313 137 10 7

2006 313 155 13 11 I

2007 301 148 172 13 9

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2004: • Sixty Nine students presented with mood disturbances requiring intervention

2005: • Two cases of self-harming behaviour (both female)

• Five cases of Suicide threats/attempts (4 male/1 female) 2006:

• Six cases of self-harming behaviour (all female)

• Five cases of Suicide threats/attempts (3 male/2 female) 2007:

• Two cases of self-harming behaviour (both female)

• Six cases of Suicide threats/attempts (5 malell female)

• And sadly one male student suicide. • 40% of female students suffered kidney infections

• 20-30% of students returned positive results for sexually transmitted infections • 50% of students returning from remote communities had scabies. Incidentally, if

untreated scabies will lead to kidney disorders.

• 70% of students presented with boils and bacterial infections due to their low immunity and hygiene issues.

• 90% of students with substance use issues in secondary

• 60% of students affected by emotional/physical abuse - NB: figures do not include those taken to hospital, xray, pathology or Dr's appts.

2008:

• 64% of enrolment with Chronic Disease issues (lung disease, Rheumatic fever, Brain

tumour, Asthma, Anaemia, Epilepsy, HypertenSion, TB, Cardiac)

• 2 pregnancies

• 37% students with kidney infections

• 20-30% of students returned positive results for sexually transmitted infections.

• 60% of students returning from remote communities had scabies-

• Approx 60-70% of students presented with boils and bacterial infections due to their

low immunity and hygiene issues

• 67 students provided with Counselling services through the College

• 8 students referred off site (TIH Emergency Dept and Child & Youth Mental Health

Services) for urgent Mental health intervention due to self harm/mood disturbance

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2009:

• NB: figures do not include those taken to hospital, xray, pathology or Dr's

appts.

• 24 male & 32 female students provided brief intervention and counselling due to

Substance use issues

• 718 sessions conducted by counsellors on campus for students requiring emotional

wellbeing support

• 24 students referred off site (TIH Emergency Dept. and Child & Youth Mental Health

Services) for urgent Mental health intervention due to self-harm/mood disturbance

• 76 students in secondary required dental intervention (higher level- teeth pulled,

fillings etc.)

• 218 students treated for sexually transmitted infections

• 2699 dressings completed by Registered Nurse (for bOils, wounds etc)

• Total of 5887 medical treatments provided by Nurse (2310 male & 3577 female

students)

• NB: figures do not include those taken to hospital, x-ray, pathology or doctor's

appointments.

2010:

• 12 students on Secondary campus with Chronic Disease issues (lung disease,

Rheumatic fever, Hypertension, Heart disorder, diabetes). Does not include students

with Asthma.

• 76 students provided brief intervention and counselling due to Substance use issues

• More than 800 sessions conducted by counsellors on campus for students requiring

emotional wellbeing support

• 16 students treated or diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder due to violence and

abuse. Counselling support provided through mix of private counsellors and Act for

Kids counsellors.

• 182 students engaged in mediation (Restorative Justice processes) and follow up

counselling programs and interventions due to aggressive and violent behaviour

choices

• 1100 treatments by Nurse for male students for scabies, boils, asthma, otitis media.

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• 2058 treatments by Nurse for female students for scabies, boils, asthma, otitis media.

• NB: figures do not include those taken to hospital, x-ray, pathology or Dr's appts.

In 2011:

Fifty eight precent (58%) of the student enrolment presented with chronic disease

issues or medical conditions requiring care plans. The majority of students with

chronic disease issues and medical conditions had:

• Hearing problems (otitis media, mastoiditis, chronic dry ruptured ear drums)

• Asthma • Vision problems

• Rheumatic Heart

• Kidney disease • Heart Disease (not rheumatic heart disease)

• Dental health and gum disease • Melanesian Ovalocytosis (a type of anaemia more common in TI & PNG

populations. Increased risks of gallstones, growth failure, abdominal pain, leg ulcers. But possible resistance to malaria)

Twenty six percent (26%) of student enrolment presented with substance use issues

requiring intervention. This was usually in the form of brief intervention with H&WB

Centre staff followed by referral to the Volatile Substance Misuse (VSM) crew, GP or

emergency dept. at The Townsville Hospital depending on intoxication level and threat

to life.

Seventeen percent (17%) of secondary enrolment (158 students) presented with self

harming behaviours that required intervention .

One student new to the College in semester 2 2011 had Machado Joseph Disease (MJD). This is a hereditary neuro degenerative condition. It is in a 'family' of neurodegenerative diseases that includes Huntington's disease. There is no known cure for MJD. Progression to dependence occurs over 5 to 10 years and most people are wheelchair bound and fully dependent for activities of daily living within 10-15 years ofthe first symptoms emerging. There are people living with the disease on

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Groote Eylandt (Angurugu and Umbakumba), Bickerton Island (Milyakburra), Yirrkala, Elcho Island (Galiwin'ku), Darwin, Ngukurr, Birany Birany, Numbulwar, Papunya (near Alice Springs) and Gunbalanya (Oenpelli).

Key priorities:

• Primary health care and first aid including comprehensive health screens. • Chronic disease (as specified above) diagnosis, treatment and

management.

• Early intervention (health screenings, referrals & implementation of programs as required including substance misuse)

• Mental health care and social and emotional wellbeing and support.

• Health Promotion (Ear, vision and dental health, sexual and reproductive health, life style diseases and emotional wellbeing)

At the start of Term 2 2012 the Health and Wellbeing Centre completed health checks of

secondary students on campus and results are as follows (% per enrolment):

• 28% of secondary students required urgent dental intervention (Within 1 week due to

dental pain issues and infection)

• 44% of secondary students had ear health issues requiring urgent intervention

• 64% of students arrived with infections (school sores, boils, throat infections etc)

requiring Antibiotic treatment

• 15% with no Medicare information

• 8% with Rheumatic Heart (Chronic disease requiring health care plans)

• 2% diabetes (on Chronic disease plans)

The students with Chronic disease care plans are not included in the statistics above.

As of Term 2, 2012 we have a fulltime GP service and although appointments are fully

booked, they cannot keep up with the demand.

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The current cost of providing HWB services (Statistics from KPMG Report)

The annual costs to Shalom Christian College of providing HWB services in financial year

2010-2011. The breakdown of costs clearly demonstrates that salaries and on-costs occupy

a Significant proportion of expenditure.

Item Amount

Wages/Salaries

Registered Nurse

Liaison Officers / Case Managers

Counsellors

Total salary/wages

On-Costs

Weekend penalties $3,721.50

Superannuation $32,868.80

Sick leave $13,768.37

Leave loading $33,014.88

Workcover $2,922.00

Educational material $250.00

Total On-costs $86,545.55

$137,351.76

$140,9258.32

Total Salaries, Wages and On-Costs $451,754.43

Expenditure - Operational

Electricity and gas

Equipment: repairs and maintenance

$2,000.00

$4,000.00

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Medical/dental supplies

Stationery

Telephone I mobile / fax

Travel - domestic

Total operating costs

Expenditure - Capital

$2,875.00

$55,675 .00

Mental Health (WASC-Y intervention screening tool) $7,993.00

$7,993.00

$515A22.44

Total capital costs

Total program costs

Current funding (2010-2011) to support HWB services is listed below. The Office for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Health (OATSIH), Department of Health and Aging,

provides program funding to support the HWB program. This funding is provided through a

variation to a funding agreement with the Stagpole Street Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Unit which is also under the auspice of CCDEU.

Item Amount

OATSIH project income $229,030.79

SCC Contribution $286,391.65

Total $515,422.44

The sce contribution is made from general school funds, and no funding has been provided

from any other agency or source for the specific provision of health or wellbeing services.

The see contribution represents the gap in funding between HWB services and dedicated

funding for this purpose.

In 2009 sse received funding of $17,583 per student net. This was made up of:

Australian Government recurrent funding - $12,133

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State/Territory Government recurrent funding - $2,876

Fees, charges and parent contributions - $3,271

Other private sources - $514.

STAT.1127.001.0132

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