One million families bag Premier’s back-to-school vouchers but more on offer

More than one million NSW families have so far taken advantage of the Premier’s Back to School vouchers — but there’s still cash up for grabs for those who haven’t claimed them yet.

With six kids to get ready for the start of term, a $900 back-to-school bonus sure came in handy for Georgina Pritchard-Malaefono and her family.

The southwest Sydney battlers are among more than one million NSW families who’ve so far taken advantage of the Premier’s Back to School vouchers, worth $150 per student.

Just one month into the start of the school year, more than $175 million worth of the vouchers have been downloaded — but there’s still cash up for grabs until the end of June.

“My husband Eenefatu is a delivery driver and our only financial support, so with six kids from Kindy to Year 8 back at school this year getting everything they needed was going to be a struggle,” Mrs Pritchard-Malaefono said.

“The vouchers have been so helpful, and we’ve been able to buy uniforms and school bags, lunch boxes and other supplies, we are very thankful.

Georgina Pritchard-Malaefono with her seven children, Falala, 12, Edward, 2, Taramati, 9, Hope, 4, Richard, 6, Shane, 13, and Molly, 10, in Busby, southwest Sydney. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“With all the bills going up and everything so expensive, this has taken a little bit of pressure off our family of nine, as we also have a toddler.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 3.5 million vouchers had been downloaded so far, and he encouraged families with school-age children to check for any unused vouchers in their Service NSW app.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the vouchers were benefiting families across NSW.

“In my recent travels families have told me just how much these vouchers have helped their budget,” she said.

The vouchers must be applied for and redeemed by June 30, 2023, and can be used for school uniforms, shoes, bags, technology, textbooks and other eligible study expenses at registered businesses.

Earlier this year, the NSW government extended their use to help cover the cost of school excursions in the first two school terms.