The Local Schools Working Together (LSWT) pilot program (the Program) is an important element of the Australian Government’s Education Revolution. The Program will provide $62.5 million over two funding rounds in 2008 and 2009 towards the construction of approximately 25 shared educational facilities.
The aim of the Program is to encourage government, Catholic and independent schools to work together to develop shared educational facilities which will broaden the benefit of government expenditure on capital infrastructure. Shared facilities will create new opportunities for students who might otherwise be denied access to the range of facilities enjoyed at better resourced schools. The theme of the LSWT program is ‘schools in partnership to achieve educational excellence and equity’.
The partnership theme may also extend to third parties such as local councils or businesses where the projects may feature broader community benefit. Projects involving community partnerships should maintain a primary focus on improved educational outcomes.
Successful Round One applications were announced on 2 February 2009.
Applications for Round Two have now closed. Announcements regarding successful Round Two projects are expected to be announced by the Minister in August 2009.