The Board of Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) and the leadership team were thrilled to receive the Federal Government Budget announcement on 9 May 2023 of a Federal Government funding package of $70.8m.
The funding will provide for the construction of a new middle years Studio School to open in 2025, the construction of the SSA Indigenous Education and Research Centre IERC on country, as well as some capital improvements to Yiramalay. The new studio school will be named the Manjali Studio School and will cater for students in years 7, 8 and 9.
Located near Kurrajong Yard on the Leopold Tunnel Creek Road in the Kimberley WA, 10 kms from Yiramalay, the new Manjali Studio School will give children and families access to a culturally rich on country education with Yiramalay, providing continuity and stability. The naming of the new studio school was inspired by the quartz rocks found on the site. It is the Bunuba name for shiny rock.
Indigenous Education and Research Centre: Paving the Way for Culturally Rich Learning
The Federal funding package also provides for the construction of a bespoke Indigenous Education and Research Centre IERC on country, the first of its kind.The IERC will support the expansion of the ground-breaking Studio School model of education to ensure its continuous improvement and that research-based decision making is in place to meet Indigenous students unique needs, aspirations and cultural heritage.The Chair of the SSA Board, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO said “This funding allows us to expand our reach and ensure that more students have access to a culturally rich, on country learning experience paving the way for a brighter future. We believe in the transformative power of education and the immense potential that lies within each Indigenous young person”
