The Federal Government is rolling out a range of grants and feedback schemes to better support local schools, students & telecommunications services.

The Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has welcomed the work of the Albanese Government to fund these important areas at a time when funding is needed whilst combatting inflation.

Specifically, the Albanese Government is working on improving telecommunications connectivity and services throughout the region through the Peri-Urban Mobile Program and Dr Freelander has written to Campbelltown, Camden & Wollondilly Councils, requesting they make submissions for areas of concern.

Should residents have any concerns on this matter, they are encouraged to contact their respective Council with this information to help bolster local submissions or head to www.infrastructure.gov.au/pump for further information.

Further, the Albanese Government is providing local school students from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow their love of science through sponsorship grants.

This opportunity is for students who wish to participate in virtual or in-person STEM engagement events, activities, competitions hosted in Australia or overseas, with applications opening on 22 January 2024.

Dr Freelander has sent information to local primary and high schools regarding these grants and information on how to apply, with applications closing by 4^th April 2024 or until the funding is allocated, whichever occurs first.

‘As a doctor and as a parent, I know how important STEM & education opportunities are for students. I encourage as many schools as possible to apply, with $1.6 million in national funding to be allocated.” 

Additionally, applications for Round 2 of the Schools Upgrade Fund have opened and all local government schools have received information from Dr Freelander regarding this important funding initiative.

If successful, government schools can receive grant funding up to $250,000 for large scale capital workers or infrastructure projects to upgrade and refurbish their school community.

This is part of Dr Freelander and the Albanese Government’s initiative to promote equitable education & resource access to all Australian students.

‘I hope that Macarthur schools apply for these grants as it would be wonderful if any of our wonderful local students are successful. Education helps form the backbone of our society and these grants will help deliver better outcomes for students and teachers, both present and into the future’. 

These opportunities are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to improve services and outcomes in Macarthur, such as the recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and the Campbelltown Station car park upgrade, which is fully Federal funded and will be completed by years end, with approximately 500 additional car spots for commuters, which Dr Freelander has long called for and is proud to help deliver.