A MARGARET River Youth Care worker has created a way for community members to support the local school chaplains facing unemployment next year.
Emotions ran high in schools across Western Australia last week with the announcement that government had refused to fund nearly 200 chaplain positions for 2015.
Chaplains at Margaret River Senior High School, Cowaramup Primary School and Margaret River Primary School are believed to be among those who will be impacted.
Margaret River Youth Care's Marg Lindsay, the sister of one of these chaplains, is determined to help soften the blow with a community fundraising initiative.
A bank account has been created by Margaret River Youth Care to allow people to take the government's place in funding chaplains through donations.
I find this so frustrating and totally bewildering
- Margaret River Youth Care worker Marg Lindsay
On average a school chaplain's position costs $20,000 a year covering two days a week, so Ms Lindsay aims to raise this amount or more.
She said her sister, a chaplain at MRSHS, was "absolutely devastated" at the prospect of losing her job.
"These amazing people work above and beyond to help support not only the children and their families but work closely with the principal, school nurse and psychologist," Ms Lindsay said.
"I find this so frustrating and totally bewildering as to how the government can give funding to the private school system and yet the public schools can miss out."
Ms Lindsay stressed the fact that having chaplains in schools was not about religion.
"They're not even allowed to talk about God, they are there to love and care for the children," she said.
"They run amazing programs for self-esteem building and much more.
"They're a port of call for students."
She said any money donated to the Margaret River Youth Care account would be used to employ local chaplains only.
People can look out for the donation flyers, to be placed in various Margaret River shops by next week, or email Youth Care at info@youthcare.com.au.
According to the Labor Party only about half of the WA public schools that applied for National School Chaplaincy Funding for 2015 were successful.
WA education minister Peter Collier said the changes to the chaplain program were expected and the Commonwealth made a new offer that decreased the money available.