Formerly Gembrook’s largest employer, Halls Outdoor Education, has received a $200k cut in funding from the State Government that they say will mean fewer school camps and fewer opportunities for education in the outdoors.
Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath has sponsored a petition to reverse the decision and called out the State Government as “penny-wise and pound-foolish”.
“The government talks about youth as our future, regional jobs, and the importance of the outdoors for mental health,” Heath said.
“Yet, they cut funding to a small organisation that delivers on all these fronts, without any right to review.”
Halls Outdoor Education has been operating for close to three decades, they provide education opportunities for schools and community groups through their three locations in Gembrook, Emerald and the Gippsland Lakes.
They provide skills training and are the only provider in Victoria of Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership.
It’s reported that the business was informed in December 2024 that expected funding of around $200,000 for the year will not be allocated.
Heath said that some trainers lined up for the start of the year have had to seek training further away or have lost their jobs as a result.
Owner Anthony Hall said the cut to funding will impact the wider Gembrook community.
“On top of this, the government’s deal with the education union to pay teachers for every hour outside of school times, without additional funding, has significantly increased the cost of school camps—especially for struggling regional schools. This means fewer school camps and fewer opportunities for students,” Hall said.
“We were the largest employer in the Gembrook area and the biggest account holder at local shops. Downsizing will now impact other local businesses too.”
You can view the petition at parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/restore-funding-for-halls-outdoor-education
The Minister for Education has been contacted for comment.
