The Victorian Government will fast-track funding for upgrades to Catholic and Independent schools across Victoria to give students and staff the best facilities sooner, and support local jobs, businesses and Victoria’s economic recovery.
Local Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor today announced that Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in the heart of Bayswater will receive $1,560,000 as one of the more than 50 projects under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.
This massive investment will see a complete refurbishment of three classrooms, to ensure that students get the contemporary learning spaces they deserve, as well as including the provision of split system heating and cooling in all learning areas, while upgrading the Music and Art rooms.
Further to this, it will see a relocation and refurbishment of student toilet facilities and sports shed, to create a new student gathering space and play area (including resurfacing the current quadrangle) as well as an upgrade to the roof over the administration area.
The 56 projects will create close to 800 jobs during construction, and follows more than $1.18 billion for new schools, upgrades and expansions of government schools announced in May.
Additional funding for this second round of the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund has been brought forward to help stimulate the economy and create jobs.
The successful schools will be able to start their projects within the next six months driving Victoria’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and the summer’s bushfires.
The projects will help these schools meet growing enrolment demand and includes six new schools in growth areas. More than a third of Victorian students attend Catholic or Independent schools.
It’s part of the Government’s election commitment to establish a $402 million fund in partnership with the non-government school sector to upgrade and build new non-government schools across Victoria.
The Victorian Government is building the Education State with an unprecedented $7.2 billion investment that is not only creating 7,500 jobs but improving, upgrading and building schools to ensure that every community can access a great local school where students are supported to achieve their best.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We promised to upgrade and build new non-government schools – we’re keeping that promise and fast-tracking funding for projects to drive our economic recovery.”
“Every child – no matter where they live or go to school – deserves the best facilities. That’s why we’re supporting government, Catholic and Independent schools with record investment to give our kids the best education.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor
“I’ve been so pleased to work with the Our Lady of Lourdes school community over the course of this journey – and having heard from parents, staff and students about the very real need for an upgrade here, I was more than happy to go into bat for them.”
“I’m absolutely stoked that over $1.5 million will be provided to ensure that each and every student, both now and into the future, at Our Lady of Lourdes has the 21st century facilities that they deserve.”
“This investment is vital to Victoria’s economic recovery and creating jobs in the Education State.”
