THE Mowbray College board has announced it has entered into voluntary administration.
On behalf of the Mowbray College board, chairwoman Tracey MacKenzie stated that the school could not obtain further assistance from the state and federal governments and the National Australia Bank and the administration is now in the hands of J.P Downey & Co.
The college will continue to operate in its current state and has arranged for students, their families and staff to access counselling.
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Ms MacKenzie stated that under the voluntary administration, the board no longer has control of the college. Its decision will hopefully improve the chances of recovering from the college’s current financial situation.
“This is a very difficult time for Mowbray College. In the past, Mowbray College has been instrumental in providing students with a well-rounded education and has helped shape their character into becoming outstanding members of the community.
“I plead with both the state and federal governments to provide assistance to the college and reduce the disruption this difficult decision has on our students’ education,” Ms MacKenzie said.
A spokeswoman for Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett told The Weekly the department would continue to work with state education authorities and the school to ensure minimal disruption to students but could only do so much.
“While we understand there is significant concern among the school community, we are disappointed that the facts regarding the Commonwealth’s role in providing assistance to the school are being misconstrued.
“Care has always been taken by our department to provide Mowbray College with advice while respecting its independence as a non-government school which manages its own operations and finances.”
The Schools Assistance Act 2008 prevents the Commonwealth Government making discretionary grants to non-government schools, such as the $4 million grant sought by Mowbray.
The education department spokeswoman said other options have been discussed with the school including making an application to the Short Term Emergency Assistance program, which brings forward part of the next instalment of the Government’s recurrent assistance funding from July.
Mowbray has about 1000 students across three campuses in Melton and Caroline Springs.
Stay tuned to The Weekly website for more details on this developing story as they come to hand.
