It appears months of uncertainty for teachers and students on Norfolk Island are nearly over.
On Tuesday the Australian Government announced that the state of Queensland would step in when New South Wales ends its links with the island on 31st December 2021.
Queensland will provide education and health services for the island, with the possibility of other services being put in place at a later date.
Photo: Norfolk Government
The island community has been concerned that no arrangement had been made for another provider to take over from New South Wales.
This meant many of the teachers were preparing to resign because they were unsure what their circumstances would be in the coming year.
A union representative for the Norfolk teachers said now the recruitment process can start, though some of the finer detail has yet to be worked out.
Suzie Hale said their conversations with representatives from Queensland Education have been extremely positive, and that that body is insistent the transition causes no disadvantage to staff or students.