IN-DEPTH: Remote Indigenous Family Seeks Support to Keep Their Kids At Home

A remote indigenous community near Burketown, in the remote northwest region of Queensland, is pushing for help to keep their families together. It’s a struggle, as their kids get older, study options disappear, forcing many to send their children away for higher education. It’s an ongoing problem in remote parts of the state, with many parents wanting government consultation to help keep young children at home once they complete Year 6. They say the solution is simple—opening a position, like a teacher aide, at a local primary school could facilitate distance education. The Bidunggu Reserve, located 120 kilometres (74.6 miles) from Burketown, is a family-oriented indigenous community sustained with funds from mining royalties....