Premier

Investing In The Future Of The Great South Coast Region

26 August 2016

The Andrews Labor Government today announced $290,000 in funding for the Great South Coast Region’s Beyond the Bell initiative, which aims to improve young people’s chances of finishing Year 12 or equivalent education and better prepare them for further education and employment.

The Great South Coast has a population of more than 100,000 – but some of the lowest completion rates of Year 12 or equivalent in the state, with current completion levels at around 54 per cent.

Beyond the Bell aims to significantly boost these completion levels to help build a more skilled and resilient local workforce.

The Labor Government will provide critical support to deliver localised action plans so that every young person has the support they need to further their education.

A range of initiatives are planned to help ensure young people do not disengage from education without a visible and affordable connection to tertiary education and subsequent employment.

Local action groups will be supported to deliver on their action plans and will enable valuable leadership and mentoring programs.

Extensive community engagement will take place to determine appropriate activities to address specific areas and the reasons contributing to lower rates of education completion, such as community attitude, parental support and workforce readiness.

The Great South Coast region spans from Apollo Bay to the South Australian border, taking in the key cities and towns of Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Camperdown and Hamilton.

It includes the shires of Corangamite, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Colac Otway, Glenelg and the City of Warrnambool.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

With young people in the Great South Coast region more likely to drop out of school than their peers in other regional locations, the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support this program.”

“We firmly believe that every Victorian has a right to the knowledge and skills to shape their lives, regardless of their personal circumstances or where they live.”

“We’re making Victoria the Education State and that means ensuring every young Victorian has opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria James Purcell

“'I am thrilled to see funding for Beyond The Bell and congratulate the Labor Government on funding this critical education attainment initiative."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?