Financial Relief for Education
- State Schools’ Relief
Provides assistance with school uniforms and other educational essentials for students experiencing financial hardship. https://stateschoolsrelief.org.au/
- Centrelink – Assistance for Isolated Children
A group of payments for parents and carers whose children cannot attend a local state school due to distance, disability, or special needs.
Includes support for home schooling (where approved by the state/territory education authority). More detailed information and application via Services Australia website. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/assistance-for-isolated-children-scheme
Online Learning Resources
- Khan Academy
Free online classes across a wide range of subjects and levels.
Website: www.khanacademy.org
General Education Information
Registered Training Organisations
- Brotherhood of St Laurence – David Scott School
Phone: 03 8781 5911
Location: 22–26 High Street, Frankston
Services: Provides VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) at three levels for young people disengaged from school. https://www.davidscottschool.vic.edu.au/
- Gateway School (Roxburgh College)
A specialist re-engagement program aiming to support young people currently disengaged from education, offering individually tailored programs. https://gateway.roxburghcollege.vic.edu.au/
- MacKillop Education & Engagement Programs
Provides alternative, flexible education, learning interventions, outreach, and support for young people transitioning back into school or vocational pathways. https://mackillopeducation.edu.au/
- WAYS Secondary
Independent high school aiming to provide an alternative to mainstream schooling for Years 9–12, with flexible, student-centred learning. (Note: may be outside immediate area) https://ways.org.au/
- The RISE Program (Foundation Learning Centre)
A specific program (not a full school) for students aged ~13–16 who are disengaged or have low attendance, with the goal of reintegrating them into education. https://www.foundation.vic.edu.au/courses/the-rise-program/
- Chisholm TAFE – Disability Liaison Officers
Contacts: Esther.Revens@chisholm.edu.au / Olga.Florenini@chisholm.edu.au
Services: Supports students with disability while studying at TAFE.
- Chisholm TAFE – Reconnect Program
Contact: Matthew Ross (0436 364 949 / Matthew.Ross@chisholm.edu.au)
Locations: Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula
Services: Helps disadvantaged individuals re-engage with education. Provides referrals to community supports and pathways to training or work.
- Chisholm TAFE – Work Education Programs
Contact: Silvia Koslow (9238 8294 / silvia.koslow@chisholm.edu.au)
Locations: Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula
Services: Certificate I & II in Work Education, supporting people with disability to build skills and confidence for the workplace.
- Chisholm TAFE – VCAL Year 11 Young Parents Program
Contact: 1300 244 746 / enquiries@chisholm.edu.au
Location: Frankston
Services: VCAL for young parents (15–24), with children supported in class by early childhood mentors and family support workers. Includes literacy, numeracy, personal development and pathways to further study.
- Frankston Mornington Peninsula LLEN – Learn Engage Connect (Young Parents Program)
Contact: info@fmpllen.com.au / 03 8679 3422
Locations: Frankston & Hastings
Services: VCAL for young parents at Chisholm Frankston. Includes structured parenting support, early childhood education (Abecedarian program), social connection and empowerment activities.
- Navigator Program
Services: Outreach support for young people aged 12–17 who have missed more than 70% of school. Helps re-engage with education. https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/navigator-program/policy
- School Refusal Clinic
Phone: 1300 299 000
Services: Specialised clinical support for young people experiencing school refusal. Based in St Kilda. https://www.schoolrefusal.com.au/
- BounceBack (SEMPHN)
Phone: 1800 862 363
Services: Medium-term flexible mental health support for young people aged 12–25 with complex needs. https://www.semphn.org.au/bounceback
- Association for Children with a Disability (ACD)
Phone: 03 9880 7000 / 1800 654 013 (regional)
Text: 0475 577 997
Email: mail@acd.org.au
Website: www.acd.org.au
Services: Free advocacy service for children with disability and their families. Includes info resources, workshops, peer support, and a support line for telephone advocacy.
