- Published:
- Wednesday 18 May 2016
Students in Bendigo were big winners in Victorian Budget 2016/17 and will now enjoy the facilities they deserve thanks to an unprecedented investment in Victorian schools.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today visited local schools to meet staff and students, and to discuss plans to improve facilities following the funding injection.
The day began with a visit Kalianna Special School which will receive $4.3 million to upgrade its facilities.
Kalianna Special School also received a funding boost this year when it received $443,273 in equity funding, up $220,619 compared to last year. Marong Primary School will receive $54,037, up from nothing last year.
This was followed by a visit to Marong Primary School which will share in the $12 million school planning fund.
Mr Merlino and Ms Edwards also visited Chewton Primary School which received $90,000 from the School Pride and Sports Fund, which is designed to build school and community pride.
Chewton Primary School received a funding boost this year when it received $17,000 in equity funding, up $5,000 compared to last year. Newstead Primary School received $6,070 up from nothing last year.
This increase is part of the Andrews Government’s Education State funding initiative which provides an extra $566 million to help schools and students most in need to break the cycle of disadvantage.
This year’s Budget provides a record $1.1 billion in school infrastructure. This includes a record $924 million for capital works, an extra $200 million for maintenance and the $16 million School Pride and Sports Fund.
As part of Education Week, Victorian students at hundreds of schools and early childhood centres will open their doors to the community to showcase how they are helping Victorian children reach their potential, focusing on this year’s theme technology.
For more information visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/Pages/edweek.aspx(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“For the second straight year the Andrews Labor Government has delivered an unprecedented investment in Victorian schools, including $1.1 billion towards school infrastructure.”
"The Budget provided vital funding to every single regional secondary and special school that has been classified as being in the worst condition."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree West
“Chewton Primary School has a long history of schooling in the district and is an integral part of the community.”
“Kalianna School community is very excited by their new school, which will mean students who attend Kalianna will get a high quality education in first rate facilities.”