Peel High School students can look forward to a little more respite from the looming summer heat following upgrades to the school’s outdoor area.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said new shade sails were installed with support of a $20,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Local Schools Community Fund.

Located next to the school’s recently completed Aboriginal Yarning Circle, the shade sails will be utilised by the school community and special guests for indigenous programs, delivering year-round sun protection for students and staff.

“Australia has one of the highest rates of the skin cancer, melanoma, in the world, with more than 15,000 diagnoses each year—close to one diagnosis every half hour,” Mr Joyce said.

“I should know, I’ve had my fair share on them.

“That’s why sun protection is vitally important for all of us, no matter our age, but particularly for the young whose whole lives are ahead of them.

“I congratulate Peel High School on the addition of the shade sails which are helping to keep students happy and healthy.”

The Local Schools Community Fund provided $200,000 for 12 projects in New England schools including $12,500 for a new kitchen at Bendemeer Public School, $20,000 for new digital equipment at Werris Creek Public School and $18,000 for a new community outdoor kitchen at Duri Public School.

(ENDS)