An alternative education centre for at-risk kids at Laverton has been forced to close after the withdrawal of government funding.
As reported by Star Weekly in October, The Link Centre was at risk of closure after the state government withdrew $300,000 funding.
Its board of directors last week announced the centre’s program would be incorporated in to the Wyndham Community and Education Centre at Werribee
The Link Centre, which has operated at the back of Laverton P-12 College since 2005, helps some of the most at-risk young people from Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
The students may have a history of trauma or bullying, mental health issues, drug use, criminal activity, or low educational skills.
Chairman George Haggar said the board had been told by the Department of Education that funding would cease at the end of term three.
“We are pleased to be working with Wyndham Community and Education Centre in a transition phase that will see their program expanded to accommodate the needs of the young people who have been part of The Link Centre’s program this year,” he said.
Education Minister James Merlino said the government had launched a $16.4 million ‘Navigator’ initiative to support 12 to 17-year-olds who were disengaged from school.
“We are working closely with The Link Centre management to help them transition operations, including all students, to new destinations including the Wyndham Community and Education Centre in Werribee and local schools,” he said.
“Our Western Melbourne Navigator service has already helped many young people in Melbourne’s west return to education.”
