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Building School Pride In Montrose

02 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is giving families in Montrose the first-rate school facilities their children deserve.

Minister for Education James Merlino visited Billanook Primary School today to announce that the school will receive $429,000 from the Labor Government’s School Pride and Sports Fund.

The funding will go towards a sheltered area at the front of Billanook Primary as well as a new pathway, stairs and a ramp into the school’s entrance.

The shelter will provide a sun-safe and weather-proof play area during schools hours and covered area for students waiting for buses or taking shelter from severe weather as they wait to meet parents or carers.

The fund helps strengthen community pride in schools and build sporting facilities for students and is part of the Labor Government’s plan to boost physical activity in our schools.

By 2025, the Labor Government wants a 20 per cent increase in the proportion of kids doing physical activity five times a week.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provided an additional $5.8 million for the School Pride and Sports Fund, bringing it to a total of almost $22 million.

This latest funding injection follows maintenance funding of $102,000 in 2016, which is expected will go towards upgrading classrooms and staff facilities.

That year the school was also a successful recipient of a grant of $8,800 from the Inclusive Schools Fund - using the money to build an outdoor sensory area made up of a sensory trail, garden, outdoor kitchen and classroom.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“This new roof will give students at Billanook Primary School a place to play come rain, hail or shine, and somewhere to shelter from the rain while waiting for the bus.”

“Work will be underway within three months and I look forward to visiting again to check in on progress.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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