So many of us have sent students to Stewart House and those students will never forget the most amazing experiences they had and the opportunities they were afforded. Like all settings, the pandemic has impacted on Stewart House’s ability to continue to provide the program for students as they always have. Most recently, there has been a return to the facility for some 80+ students a fortnight. The Board are undertaking plans for the next 90 years of Stewart House. High level negotiations with government and stakeholders have commenced for a modern facility. The current facility has challenges meeting building standards, accessibility, and accommodation limitations.

Next week, Michael Coutts Trotter | Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Georgina Harrisson |Secretary Department of Education, Angelo Gavrielatos | President NSW Teachers Federation, Stewart Little | General Secretary NSW Public Service Association | Craig Petersen | NSWSPC President and I are meeting at Stewart House to film a six minute video talking about the value of Stewart House. This video will be widely available for PPC’s to use to profile the incredible work of Stewart House.

Operating costs for Stewart House have been maintained most recently with the receipt of two substantial bequests, the Small Business Grant and Job Saver payments. It is however projected that 2022 will result in a $500K shortfall. There has been a yearly decline in revenue from the salary contribution scheme specifically targeting NSW Public Education employees. In the past, donations from department staff and students funded 100% of the organisation’s annual operating expenses. Now less than 10% of the NSW Education staff make donations to Stewart House and this now covers 30% of annual operating costs. Stewart House is seeking the support of the Education community.