Victorians Have Their Say On New School Names

The names of 12 new schools set to open their doors next year have been revealed after being put to a community vote, with many names taken from local Aboriginal language for flora and fauna.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today announced the names of the new schools the Andrews Labor Government will open in some of the state’s biggest growth areas from Day 1, Term 1, 2023.

The preferred names were chosen following a community consultation process which saw almost 5000 submissions made – with the final school names (and their interim names) chosen as:

• Barrawang Primary School – from the Woi-wurrung word of the Wurundjeri people meaning ‘magpie’ (interim Wollert West Primary School)
• Kurrun Primary School – from the Bunurong word meaning ‘wattle’ (interim Officer Rix Road Primary School)
• Nearnung Primary School – from the Bunurong word meaning ‘black cockatoo’ (interim Tarneit Missen House Primary School)
• Wayi School – a Woi-wurrung word of the Wurundjeri people meaning ‘us’ (interim Mount Ridley Special School)
• Ngarri Primary School – from the Wadawurrung word meaning ‘sheoak’ (interim Holyoake Parade Primary School)
• Donnybrook Primary School (interim Hayes Hill Primary School)
• Lollypop Creek Primary School
• Mickleham Secondary College (interim Merrifield West Secondary School)
• Quarters Primary School (interim Camms Road Primary School)
• Tarneit Primary School (interim Riverdale East Primary School)
• Thornhill Park Primary School (interim Rockbank Murray Road Primary School)
• Wollert Secondary College (interim Wollert East Secondary School)

In addition to the brand-new schools, North Melbourne Primary School’s new campus – to accommodate its growing student population – will be named Molesworth Street campus.

Since being elected in 2014, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

Work is now well ahead of schedule on the plan to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins

“It’s exciting to be one step closer to these new schools opening their gates to thousands of new students in our fastest-growing areas, as part of our promise to open 100 new schools across Victoria by 2026.”

“It’s so important for families and young people to feel connected to their local schools, and we’re thrilled the community has had their say on these names that really reflect the areas’ culture, history and environment.”