- Published:
- Friday 8 May 2015
The Andrews Labor Government’s first Education State Budget is rebuilding Essendon Keilor College and giving its students the best start in life.
Minister for Education, James Merlino, was joined by Member for Niddrie, Ben Carroll, today to visit the college’s Niddrie campus and celebrate the $10 million rebuild.
In November 2011, the Herald Sun reported that Essendon Keilor College was the state’s most rundown school, with 1,341 maintenance items requiring attention.
The $10 million funding, secured in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget, will build new classrooms, specialist areas and administration areas at the Niddrie junior campus, new science rooms at Keilor East junior campus and a new performing arts space at Essendon senior campus.
The Budget invests close to $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – it represents the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
It provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools – 25 of them in our fast-growing outer suburbs and 21 in regional Victoria.
It includes $120 million to build and upgrade Catholic and Independent schools across the state, matching dollar-for-dollar the non-government sector’s contribution.
The Budget will also fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino
“The Andrews Labor Government is transforming Victoria into the Education State so that all children have access to high-quality schools regardless of their background and where the live.”
“We’re rebuilding Essendon Keilor College and giving its students the safe, modern and comfortable classrooms that they need to learn.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Niddrie, Ben Carroll
"When I was first elected in 2012, I promised to see the Essendon Keilor College master plan implemented. I've kept my word, we are investing $10 million to rebuild this wonderful school for the future.”
“This major investment will give students a state-of-the-art learning environment and teachers the facilities to continue providing a world-class education.”