$27.6 Million Boost For Victorian Independent Schools

Students in Ballarat are a step closer to having a new primary school at Lucas, thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited the future school site to announce $27.6 million in funding for 18 non-government schools across Victoria, including $1.5 million for the new Lucas Catholic primary school.

Mr Merlino also announced Jo Brewer as the school’s new principal and that the school will be called Siena Catholic Primary School. A builder has been appointed and construction will get underway soon.

Schools to receive funding include:

• $1.5 million for construction of stage one of the new Lucas Catholic primary school, Ballarat
• $2.5 million for construction of stage one of the new Craigieburn West Catholic primary school
• $2.5 million for construction of stage one of the new Torquay North Catholic primary school
• $2.04 million for a car park, science rooms and classrooms at Geelong Lutheran College
• $1.32 million for art facilities, classrooms and seminar spaces at Holy Trinity Lutheran School, Horsham
• $1 million to refurbish the junior centre and build a new library at Galen Catholic College, Wangaratta
• $1 million for 14 new classrooms at Catholic College Bendigo
• $1.3 million for a gym extension at Casey Grammar
• $1.71 million for a new discovery centre and administration building at Hillcrest Christian College, Casey
• $2 million for a new year 9 building at St Peter's College, Casey
• $2 million for 18 new classrooms at St Francis Xavier College, Cardinia
• $1.5 million for 8 new classrooms at St Clare's Primary School, Cardinia
• $1.1 million for stage two of the junior school building at Lakeside College, Cardinia
• $2.03 million for a new middle years building and car parks at Good News Lutheran College, Wyndham
• $1 million for a new multipurpose hall at St Oliver Plunkett's School, Moreland
• $1.35 million for new classrooms and car parking at St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School, Whittlesea
• $997,000 to finish a building housing a library, classrooms and offices at Gilson College, Whittlesea
• $750,000 for six new classrooms at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Wyndham

The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every community has access to a great school and every Victorian student can get a great education. This includes $120 million to help build and upgrade Catholic and independent schools and a record $1.1 billion to build new government schools and upgrade existing government school facilities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“One in three Victorian students attend Catholic and independent schools - they are a vital part of our education system and this funding will help provide better facilities to more Victorian students.”

Quote attributable to Ambassador for Non-Government Schools Capital Funding Nick Staikos

"I'm proud to be part of a Government that is committed to securing the best possible education for students from every school in Victoria, including our many Catholic and independent schools.”