Uniforms support unity

Uniforms help children feel included.

State Schools Relief has this year delivered uniforms to more than 21,000 students doing it tough.

The Affordable School Uniforms Program provides uniforms and other essential school items for families that need an extra helping hand and ensures that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can attend school feeling valued and included.

“Wearing a school uniform helps to create an important sense of belonging for children,” Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said.

“With the rising cost of living, we know this program offers some relief for many families right now across the state.”

Families can receive support for individual school uniform items, school shoes, swimwear, stationery items, STEM calculators, textbooks, work boots for vocational students and school bags.

On average the program can save families more than $100 per application.

Since 2015, more than $42 million has been invested in the program to support more than 459,900 students with more than 1.72 million uniforms and other essential school items.

Families affected by short-term crisis and long-term chronic need are encouraged to contact their local school.

Students affected by refugee status, homelessness, family violence, house fire, natural disaster, financial hardship, illness and emergency are among those eligible for support.

Financial support for schools is also provided through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, which helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate and attend school events and activities.