Important information
Please note that applications for this program are no longer being accepted.
Information on this site is for reference purposes only or for successful applicants under Round One and Round Two of the program during 2007.
Further information about the National School Chaplaincy Program complaints handling process PDF 
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(90.4 KB)
For general questions regarding the program please click here.
For questions regarding changes to the program, including secular support options, please click here.
For questions relating to religious-based schools please click here.
Successful applications under Round Two of the National Schools Chaplaincy Program were announced on 12 October 2007.
Successful applications under Round One of the National Schools Chaplaincy Program Program were announced on 27 June 2007.
Further information is available to assist successful schools from Round One or Two of the Program.
Please note that applications for this Program have now closed. These documents relating to the Program are available for reference purposes only.
The National School Chaplaincy Programme Guidelines (236.7 KB) were updated on 30 January 2007.
A short brochure (230.0 KB) explaining the Program is also available.
If you have any questions, please call the Program Hotline between 9.00am and 6.00pm, on 1300 363 079 or send an email to schoolchaplaincy@deewr.gov.au.
The National School Chaplaincy Program was announced on 29 October 2006.
The National School Chaplaincy Program aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain.
The National School Chaplaincy Program is a voluntary Program that assists school communities to support the spiritual wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, provide greater pastoral care and enhance engagement with the broader community.
A total of $165 million is available for this program. It provides annual support of up to $20,000 for government and non-government school communities seeking to establish school chaplains or to further enhance services already being provided.
Chaplains are expected to provide general religious and personal advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious denomination, irrespective of their religious beliefs. The choice of chaplaincy services, including the religious affiliation, is a decision for the local school community, following broad consultation. Students are not obliged to participate. Parents and students will be informed about the availability and non-compulsory nature of the chaplaincy services.
A Reference Group was convened to guide the implementation of the National School Chaplaincy Program. It included a range of people from different school sectors, parent and chaplaincy organisations. Membership of the Reference Group ended in December 2007. The last meeting of the Reference Group was held in June 2007.