Bellarine families will be able to purchase textbooks through the state government’s School Saving Bonus, thanks to an extra $400.
The one-off bonus will be available to all students at government schools and eligible non-government school students in November.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the program had already helped cover the costs of uniforms, camps, excursions and extracurricular activities for families.
“Our $400 School Saving Bonus will help ease the pressure on household budgets – giving parents across the Bellarine one less thing to worry about,” she said.
The School Saving Bonus was announced as part of a $287 million package in the 2024/25 state budget to help up to 700,000 students, including 44,000 non-government students.
Premier Jacinta Allan said families of government school children would not need to apply for the bonus as it would be automatically provided.
“We’re giving busy families one less thing to worry about with $400 for school costs like uniforms, excursions and textbooks,” she said.
Families will receive a code granting access to the bonus in Term 4, allowing them to choose how much funds to allocate to a uniform and textbook voucher.
Funds allocated to school activities will be managed through the school, and families can also use the voucher to buy second-hand uniforms and textbooks from schools.
Non-government school families eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, including healthcare and concession card holders, will also be eligible for the School Saving Bonus.
The $400 will be provided directly to the family’s non-government school, managed in consultation with the student’s family, and in line with the program’s intent.
Visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus for more information on the $400 School Saving Bonus.
