By Jessica Anstice
Funding for non-government schools in Casey will be fast-tracked by the State Government to give students and staff quality facilities sooner while supporting local jobs and businesses.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale announced two schools in the City of Casey will receive $5 million each along with more than 50 projects under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.
Hillcrest Christian College in Clyde North received $5 million for the construction of STEM and performing arts facilities for the secondary precinct of the Rivercrest Christian College campus.
“Through the support of the State Government our students will now benefit from these facilities that will inspire them daily,” Crest Education executive principal Brendan Kelly said.
“This is a great time to be a student at Rivercrest Christian College, our community thanks our member Jordan Crugnale MP and Minister James Merlino for making such an exciting vision for learning become a reality for our students and their families.
“Being a rapidly growing International Baccalaureate school in Melbourne’s South East growth corridor we aim to provide a world-leading education that prepares students for the future with confidence.”
Clyde Grammar also received $5 million for the construction of a primary centre.
The primary centre will include 14 primary classrooms, seven breakout areas, two collaborative learning areas, library, student and staff amenities, IT office, administration office, staff room, sick bay, meeting room and outdoor learning areas.
“This is such great news for our school community. Learning environments have an impact on education, and we all want our kids to be confident, have a positive sense of self, and be active citizens with a strong voice,” Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said.
“With more than a third of Victorian students attending Independent and Catholic schools, this dedicated fund ensures all our kids have access to the best buildings and facilities so they can be inspired and challenged.”
“Investments like this are vital to Victoria’s economic recovery by creating jobs, particularly in growth areas like Clyde and Clyde North, and I look forward to seeing these plans come to life.”
The 56 projects across the state 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.
“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,” Education Minister James Merlino said.
“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.”
The successful schools will be able to start their projects within the next six months driving the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and the summer’s bushfires.
