As one door closes…

Key College has avoided closure next year by finding new premises to rent in Redfern for the next two years.

But the college, which provides education to homeless youth, will have to find an additional $26,000 per year to cover the new rental costs.

Father Chris Riley, from the ‘Youth off the Streets’ charity which runs Key College, said the school would be looking for a benefactor to help with the extra costs. “We’re committed to the school so we’ll find the money, no matter what happens,” he said.

The school is being forced to leave its rent-free location in Surry Hills so the land can be developed by its owner, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. It needed to inform the NSW Department of Education and Training of its location for next year by the end of November.

Father Riley said he is pleased with the new premises as they are close to public transport and offer good facilities. He is waiting for DA approval from City of Sydney Council to operate the school on the new premises, and expects to accommodate 12 students next year.

The closure of the school would have been a big loss to its students, who also receive assistance from the school with basic needs, such as finding suitable housing.

Min Bonwick, one of two teachers at Key College, said she is excited by the move to Redfern but hopes for additional help to find a permanent home for the school. “The score’s on the board,” she said.

“We really have got some terrific kids who are doing excellent work out there, that just needed that extra hand.”

If you would like to donate to support Key College, please call 1800 062 288.

by Aaron Cook