Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann recently visited Immaculate Heart Catholic Primary School in Leichhardt, after helping to secure  a grant of $17,500 for the school through the Federal Government’s Local Schools Community Fund.

School Principal Kurt Dutney has praised Mr Neumann’s support for the school.

“On behalf of the entire Immaculate heart community, I would like to thank Shayne for his efforts to secure this grant and allow us to complete a project that would otherwise not be possible at this time,” said Mr Dutney.

The grant was part of $200,000 in total funding made available to schools in the electorate of Blair for the 2019-2020 financial year, to be distributed as grants of between $1,000 and $20,000.

An independent advisory committee of Blair community members was established to consider the applications and make recommendations to the Department of Education for the allocated funding.

The grant program was open to both government and non-government schools to primarily fund small capital works projects and the delivery of education programs.

Mr Neumann said it was crucial the Morrison Government committed to better funding for local schools.

“It is not clear whether the Government will run the Local Schools Community Fund again. What is clear is that schools in our community need additional funding and support to continue to deliver a great education for our kids,” said Mr Neumann.

Mr Neumann said he was looking forward to visiting the successful schools to see first-hand the finished projects.

“It is very exciting to see the very real assistance these grants are providing local schools,” said Mr Neumann.

The Blair schools receiving grants include:

• Immaculate Heart School - $17,500 for classroom enhancement
• St Mary's College - $17,500 for seating and shade sails
• Lowood State High School - $17,500 for concrete courts
• Rosewood State High School - $8,000 for community garden space
• Riverview State School - $15,000 for play equipment
• Silkstone State School - $17,500 for digital portfolios and innovation
• Amberley District State School - $4,500 for playground equipment
• Brassall State School - $15,000 for playground upgrade
• Ipswich North State School - $15,000 for digital technology
• Ipswich West State School - $11,451 for sporting equipment
• Leichhardt State School - $15,000 for large shade shelter
• Lowood State School - $15,000 for junior play fort upgrade
• Ipswich West Special School - $10,000 for Shade structures
• Staines Memorial College - $13,827 for instrumental music program
• YMCA Vocational School - $7,222 for outdoor learning space