Media Release
DEET helps Katherine children keep feet dry
Thursday 6 April 2006
The Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) and several Darwin businesses have rallied to support a group of Katherine school students who cannot return home because of flooding in their hometown.
Some 30 Year 7 children from the Katherine South Primary School arrived in Darwin yesterday on a school excursion. They were due to return home today but were prevented from doing so when rising flood waters cut the Stuart Highway.
DEET has engaged extra staff to help look after the children, and is helping them make contact with their parents.
The students have attended Jingili Primary School today - and will do so again tomorrow if they are unable to return home.
DEET gratefully acknowledges the support of Darwin businesses Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments and the Outback Bakery. The children will be housed for free at Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments tonight, and the Outback Bakery will provide them with free bread.
If they require further housing tomorrow night, the children will ‘sleep over’ at Jingili Primary School. Sanderson High School, Anula Primary School and Kormilda College will provide gym mattresses and bedding.