Students at Tamworth High School, Tamworth South Public School, Westdale Public School, and Hillvue Public School are being provided with critical school-based health and wellbeing support, as part of a $46.8 million NSW Government investment.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said School Wellbeing Nurses were entering schools across the state after the success of a 2018 trial based in Young, Tumut and Cooma.

“We know how important it is to look after the mental and physical wellbeing of our kids, which is why the NSW Government is investing in school wellbeing nurses, who are already making a difference in the lives of our students,” Mr Anderson said.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said 87 highly trained wellbeing nurses are now providing care and support to students in around 300 rural, regional and metropolitan schools across the state.

“In 2021-22, more than 3,400 primary and secondary school students were seen by a wellbeing nurse, with the majority of students living in rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said School Wellbeing Nurses are an invaluable addition to a school’s broader learning and support team, contributing to the provision of an integrated, holistic approach to supporting student wellbeing.

“Wellbeing Nurses are trusted figures within the school community, who provide a safe and confidential place for children, young people and their families to seek advice about health and wellbeing supports,” Ms Mitchell said.

The NSW Government has committed $46.8 million over four years to June 2024 to fund 100 wellbeing nurses, who are employed by NSW Health and co-located in select metropolitan, regional and rural public schools.

For more information, visit the NSW Health website.