Bonus start to new school year

CASEY families will receive a financial boost as part of the Brumby Government’s $182 million School Start Bonus.
More than 125,000 families in the state with a child starting Prep or Year 7 this year, will receive a $300 a child School Start Bonus to assist buy uniforms, books and other school essentials.
The School Start Bonus is paid to all eligible students enrolled at government and non-government schools in Prep or Year 7.
The bonus, in voucher form, is distributed by schools to parents and the voucher can be redeemed for cash from selected Australia Post outlets.
The School Start Bonus and the Government’s Education Maintenance Allowance package for low-income families will provide much-needed assistance to the families of more than 329,000 school children this year. Last year, 127,200 vouchers worth $38.7 million were issued to families to assist with the start of the 2008 school year.
For details contact the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s information and referral service on 1800 809 834.