KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

Discussions are underway between Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter and the Bishop of Broome, The Most Reverend Christopher Saunders about the possibility of establishing a 64-bed boarding facility for students in the Kimberley.
The State Government's Country High School Hostel Authority (CHSHA) and the Catholic Education Office have been working closely together on the proposed $6.6 million facility for Broome.
The integration of government and non-government school students at CHSHA boarding facilities has already proved successful in both Albany and Geraldton.

If the project proceeds, the facility will provide accommodation for students from across the region who attend both government and non-government schools.
Mr Carpenter said many of the students who board away from home found it difficult to be away from their families and often changed schools or returned home before completing their schooling. "The ongoing dislocation is affecting their educational outcomes," he said.
Member for the Kimberley, Carol Martin MLA, said the State Government was committed to providing educational opportunities for rural and remote communities.
"We will work co-operatively with the various school authorities to provide first-class educational facilities for students in rural and remote regions of WA." Ms Martin said. "While it is expected that most of the demand would come from indigenous students, the intention would be to make this an open, culturally integrated boarding facility".
A possible site for the new facility has been identified on the senior high school reserve, free of Native Title and readily available. It is a short walk from both the Broome Senior High School and St Mary's College.