Outback Queensland Education Subsidy Scheme
The opportunity to have a school camp experience in Outback Queensland seems like an expensive pipe-dream except it is not. The Outback Queensland Education Subsidy Scheme is a subsidy for school students, in years 5,6,7 and 8, towards a school camp in Outback Queensland. The purpose of the subsidy is to encourage teachers to take their students to Outback Queensland and immerse them in its rich history and heritage, and reduce the costs of these excursions for families. It is a fabulous opportunity for students to learn from and give back to some outback communities by experiencing true life on the land.
Where are the Camps
The school camps are to be held in the local government areas of Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Mt Isa, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Winton, Barcoo, Boulia, Diamantina, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Bulloo, Croydon, Etheridge, Burke and Carpentaria.
So many amazing diverse experiences
Some of the fabulous experiences that await include digging for buried treasure at mining sites from Mt Isa to Yowah, learning about steam machinery at The Woolscur in Blackall, star gazing in Charleville at the Cosmos Centre, and listening to the stories of the early operators of the Qantas at the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach, as well as meeting one of Australia’s most endangered species in Charleville, the Bilby, and learning about the Outback pioneers at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach.
Who is Eligible to apply
To receive the payments, students must be at recognised schools outside the ‘Outback Queensland’ region. There is only one payment available per year and the principal purpose of the excursion is to support the in class learning of Geography, Science and History curriculum links with Outback Queensland. The subsidy must be used to reduce the costs for individual students.
How much is the subsidy?
The subsidy is for an amount of up to $130 per student. The subsidy is paid directly to the schools and the actual amount funded is dependent on the distance travelled from the students school (based on the round trip). The subsidy is paid in two instalments – 50% is paid upon approval of the application and the remaining 50% is paid after the excursion upon receipt of a completed survey and report after the excursion.
The subsidy rates (excluding GST) are:
| Distance travelled from school (round trip) | Funds allocated per student |
| 500 – 900 km | $55 |
| 1,000 – 1,499 km | $85 |
| 1,500 – 1,999 km | $115 |
| 2,000 km and over | $150 |
Is a school camp to regional Queensland related to the Curriculum?
It most certainly is. The Outback Queensland Education Handbook is updated every two years and is a wonderful resource aligning the curriculum areas of Geography, Science and History with themes of Outback Queensland including itineraries, fact sheets and activities.
How do I apply?
For further information, speak to your local school or visit Outback Queensland Education Subsidy.
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