Students in Melbourne’s outer east will soon have the first-rate sports, science and arts facilities they deserve, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Melba College in Croydon to announce the school will get $11.05 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to go towards Stage 2 of its rebuild, including a new basketball stadium and cutting-edge STEAM building.
The new stadium is being built in partnership with Kilsyth Basketball, and will have four indoor, competition-grade courts, and referee and change rooms.
The rebuild will also deliver a new STEAM – or science, technology, engineering, arts and maths – building, giving teachers the facilities they need to deliver a modern education. The new stadium will be shared with Kilsyth Basketball, with students using the courts during school hours and Kilsyth Basketball using it outside of school hours.
The Labor Government will also provide additional funding of $2.67 million to complete the stadium re-build, including $1.5 million through its Shared Facilities Fund and $1.17 million through the Better Indoor Stadiums Fund. Kilsyth Basketball is also providing $2 million towards the new stadium. Work will start on the upgrade in October.
Melba College is being completely rebuilt, including bringing the junior and senior campuses together on one site and upgrading the school’s facilities. It received $17.9 million for Stage 1 of the upgrade in the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
New facilities will include three double-storey buildings that will provide space for growing enrolments, new flexible modern learning spaces, admin offices, library and cafeteria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Kilsyth Basketball Association is one of the biggest basketball clubs in Australia and these facilities will ensure they are able to keep up with demand. We want to put schools at the centre of their communities and today’s announcement does just that.”
“Our students need to be prepared for the jobs of the future and that is why we are making significant investments in science and technology facilities.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Sport John Eren
“We want more Victorians to be fit, happy and healthy – and building great facilities like Melba College’s new courts will help make that happen.”
Quote attributable to Member Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane
“This major upgrade will not only improve facilities for students but also allow the school to be used by the wider community which is a great result.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020