Thousands of dollars out of pocket: Sydney parents dudded by Education Department

23 Sydney families have been left thousands of dollars out of pocket after an international excursion was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Almost two years ago, Westfields Sports High School children were offered a two-week dance excursion to the United States at the cost of $6,200.
When the trip was cancelled in April, 2020, parents were told a refund would take 8 to 12 weeks.
Mum Nichole told Ben Fordham they still haven’t got their money back and believes the NSW Department of Education should refund them.
“We worked with the school for nine months and it was clear that there was going to be no support for us.
“We contacted the Department in November last year and we’re still waiting.”
The Department is chasing third-party tour operator Jim Bennett from Classroom Around the World for the funds, but have been unable to reach him.
Press PLAY below to hear the full interview
Image: Getty