Whittlesea schools are set to become thriving neighbourhood hubs with first-rate facilities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green today visited Laurimar Primary School to announce new community sports and recreation facilities, as part of the $50 million Shared Facilities Fund.
Laurimar Primary School’s netball courts will benefit from an upgrade worth up to $250,000 with new lights and shelter, which will also be used by the Laurimar Power Netball Club.
The club has 300 members and with the population in Doreen expected to grow 35 per cent in the next 20 years, the demand for netball facilities will increase.
Up to $4.7 million will be invested in a sports oval to be built at the new Edgars Creek Secondary College, which will be used by local clubs.
The school will be located within a new community precinct in Epping North that will also include a primary school, community activity centre and a council reserve.
This is the first in a series of rolling announcements by local government areas for the Shared Facilities Fund.
The Labor Government launched the $50 million Shared Facilities Fund last year to help schools and communities build facilities on school grounds that can be used by the wider community. This includes not only sports facilities but early learning hubs, libraries and performing arts centres.
The new sports facilities will help the schools meet Education State targets of increasing physical activity among students. This includes raising the proportion of kids doing physical activity five times a week by 20 per cent.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“These first-rate facilities will be shared between schools and communities to make services more accessible for everyone and foster a sense of community pride in schools.”
“Shared facilities will make schools such as Laurimar Primary School and Edgars Creek Secondary College thriving community hubs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“This investment is not only a win for students but local residents, sports clubs and community groups. I can’t wait to check in on the progress of Laurimar Primary School’s netball courts”
Quote attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny
“The new sports oval at Edgar's Creek gives us an extra brand new sports oval for the use of our growing community."
Reviewed 19 August 2020