It is hoped the one-stop clinic will help the school mitigate student absences and allow children to meaningfully engage with their education.

The official opening of the wellness hub took place on Monday.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes, South Coast MP Shelley Hancock and Kiama MP Gareth Ward joined with students, staff and families at the school on Monday.

Proceedings opened with a welcome to country by Uncle Tom Moore, a smoking ceremony and celebratory Aboriginal dance.

School principal Kristina Goldthorp OAM thanked many contributors including the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for donating more than $500,000.

“This goes towards a coordinator and a pediatrician for our hub,” she said.

“The hub allows our students and their families to get the support and services they need to improve their wellbeing, and at the same time children go straight back into the classroom ready to learn once they’ve finished their appointment.

“This will improve overall attendance.”

The innovative project was approved by Mr Stokes.

“I’m humbled to be here because I see a community that’s coming together to care for its own,” he said.

“A strong education is made up by recognising our young people like all of us need mental stimulation, physical activity and spiritual connection.

“All these things go towards forming well-rounded people who are equipped to looking after the next generation, which is ultimately what education is about.”

Mrs Hancock welcomed the hub which will benefit everyone in the local community.

“It will be a safe, easily-accessed centre where students and their families can engage in a range of services,” she said.

“In 2015 the NSW government announced that it would provide a total of $167.2 million over four years for a comprehensive package of support to promote positive student wellbeing. The package included $51.5 million of flexible funding for wellbeing services.

“It is a share of this funding that has enabled Nowra East Public School to choose the mix of wellbeing services to best meet the needs of their students and establish the hub.”