Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre in Gisborne is to receive a $360,600 grant to upgrade its outdoor play space with funding from the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks refurbishment and minor works grant funding program.

Member for Macedon, Mary Anne-Thomas was joined by Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson, Cr Rob Guthrie, then deputy mayor Cr Mark Ridgeway, Council staff, Manna Gum Teachers and Educators and children in making the official announcement of the funding and upgrade.
Mayor, Cr Anderson welcomed the announcement and thanked the Member for Macedon for her ongoing interest and support of the education of local children.
“State government programs such as this are very important to our local kindergartens and this funding will provide Manna Gum with the opportunity to develop a nature based learning environment where children can learn, grow and thrive for many years to come.”
“The upgrade will address important accessibility issues by incorporating wider paths and the extension of outdoor play spaces to utilise all available outdoor space. Importantly it will also create accessible ‘outdoor classroom’ spaces that will be areas where children can learn through exploring and playing,” she said.
It is anticipated that the Manna Gum kindergarten works will be competed in late 2022.
Macedon Ranges’ kindergartens will also share in $83,574 as part of the Victorian Government Building Blocks 2021-2022 Improvement stream grants for facility upgrades, inclusive equipment and IT equipment.
Council have been successful in obtaining the IT grant from the. Department of Education and Training for four years in a row.

Victoria is leading the nation in mRNA research to fast-track sovereign manufacturing and health-care breakthroughs, today announcing the largest ever dedicated mRNA research grant program seen in Australia.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford unveiled the $21 million mRNA Victoria Activation Program (mAP) which will support bold ideas to grow Victoria’s RNA research, development and manufacturing capability.
mAP grants will provide broad-based support to grow the RNA ecosystem, including support for clinical research and projects to develop enabling technology such as artificial intelligence, next-generation manufacturing, safety testing and alternative vaccine delivery methods.
The Program is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million commitment to mRNA Victoria, which is preparing the ground for large-scale mRNA manufacturing to secure the supply of vaccines for future pandemics and provide breakthroughs in treatment for conditions like heart disease, cancer and rare genetic disorders.
The Labor Government has invested $5 million to support the development of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ COVID-19 vaccine candidate and clinical trial – the vaccine for the trial has been manufactured in Boronia in an Australian mRNA landmark revealed last week – and has also announced the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund, offering grants of up to $500,000 to support early-stage research projects.
The Government earlier this year supported a number of proposals from Victorian industry and consortia as part of the Commonwealth’s Approach to Market (ATM) on mRNA manufacturing capability.
The recent decision by global synthetic biology leader Ginkgo Bioworks to establish a Melbourne base further underscores Victoria’s national leadership in mRNA.
mAP will support Victorian businesses, universities and medical research institutes developing new technologies and therapies to produce better health outcomes, with the grants open to projects from early-stage research through to commercialisation.
To address gender inequities in medical research, applications from female researchers and projects that include at least 50 per cent women and early to mid-career researchers will receive extra weighting in the competitive assessment process.
The mAP grants will take place over two rounds, with initial applications opening on Friday, 10 December and closing on 19 January. For more information and to view the guidelines, go to djpr.vic.gov.au/mrnavictoria.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said:
“Victoria leads the way in this crucial field and we want to see more bold ideas that can create breakthroughs across the health spectrum.”
“We’re serious about developing our mRNA manufacturing capacity and doing it quickly, because we know it will change lives and save lives.”

Hundreds of Victorians have had their say on the State Government’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act, which will enshrine recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System into law and help build the state’s new mental health system.

The Royal Commission set out a 10-year vision for creating a balanced, flexible, and responsive system that delivers individualised care for every Victorian who needs it, with a key recommendation that the Mental Health Act 2014 be replaced with a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act by mid-2022.
The voices of those with lived experience in the mental health sector – from consumers, families and carers to mental health workers and service providers – are vital in delivering an Act that delivers the best services, and the Department of Health invited feedback on specific policy proposals through Engage Victoria.
Overall, 283 written submissions were received through the process, and 28 targeted engagement sessions saw more than 500 Victorians provide further feedback on the proposals.
This feedback is included in the new The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act: What we heard report released today, and highlights Victorians’ desire for the Act to better recognise people with lived experience, the positive role that clinicians and mental health workers play in the system, and the diversity of those accessing services.
The feedback also acknowledges that some more complex issues require more time than the Act’s recommended timelines to develop world-class regulations – for example, the criteria around compulsory mental health treatment.
While feedback supported a cultural shift that reduces the need for compulsory treatment and increased oversight, reporting and monitoring, the Labor Government will deliver an independent review of compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of mental health laws with other decision-making laws.
The independent review will begin in 2022, when Parliament has passed the new Act – bringing forward the Royal Commission’s suggested five to seven-year timeframe for aligning decision-making laws. The terms of reference for the review will be co-designed with consumers, families, carers, workers in the sector and service providers.
The What we heard report is now available on the Engage Victoria website at engage.vic.gov.au/mhwa.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said:
“I want to thank every Victorian with their own experience of our mental health system who shared their stories with such generosity – it’s wonderful to see how passionate people are about helping design our new system.”
“We’re listening to everyone’s views as we develop this new Act to deliver the care and treatment every Victorian with mental health concerns – and everyone who cares for them – deserves.”

The State Government is putting the safety of workers first, with new support for automated technology at a state-of-the-art mushroom farm at the Parwan Employment Precinct.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Parwan Valley Mushrooms near Bacchus Marsh to announce funding through the Labor Government’s Agriculture Resilience and Recovery Program to support the company to upgrade its packing processes.
The upgrades will include automating box movement and pallet stations, as well as increasing the size of the pre-packaging area to create a safer working environment for staff.
Parwan Valley Mushrooms was launched in 2010 as part of a joint venture between Mecrus Group and Perfection Fresh Group. The company sells around a third of its produce to Coles supermarkets and employs 104 workers. It processes up to 50 metric tonnes of mushrooms each week – 4 per cent of the Australian market.
Parwan Valley Mushrooms is based within the 2880-hectare Parwan Employment Precinct, a site that is expected to create up to 1,500 full-time jobs over six years as it is transformed into an export-oriented hub for agriculture and agribusinesses.
Critically, the Parwan Employment Precinct received $2.7 million from the Labor Government’s Building Works package for a city gate gas connection. This investment in enabling infrastructure will help attract new businesses to the region.
The Agriculture Resilience and Recovery Program supports farm and food processing businesses to create long-term solutions to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. It forms part of the Working for Victoria package which has supported the state’s agriculture and food industries.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“It’s great to see how businesses are adapting to a new way of working – in this case, keeping staff safe with automated packing technology.”
“This grant will enable this key Australian mushroom supplier to boost its business, supporting jobs in the region.”
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said:
“This is one of many ways we are supporting local businesses in the Parwan Employment Precinct and creating a major hub for agribusiness.”
Member for Melton Steve McGhie said:
“We are supporting upgrades to Parwan Valley Mushrooms to keep workers safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus in a crucial agribusiness.”

Victoria’s brightest and best young farmers have been celebrated at the 2021 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Awards.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas presented 13 farmers with scholarships at a ceremony in Melbourne last night, highlighting the important role young farmers play in Victoria’s $17.8 billion agriculture industry.
The program, which has awarded 89 scholarships since 2015, supports young farmers with up to $10,000 to boost their skills and careers.
Each recipient is eligible for up to $5,000 to upskill through study and training, followed by $5,000 to invest in putting new skills into practice with on-farm equipment and technology or further professional development.
Greater Bendigo farmer Madeleine Marson was one of this year’s recipients and plans to use her scholarship to undertake further training in viticulture. She will also invest in new equipment for her family vineyard to support herbicide-free weed management under the vines.
Rupanyup cropping and sheep farmer Dougal McAllister will complete training in business management, leadership and decision making to improve profitability on his family farm.
Giving young farmers access to higher educational opportunities improves productivity and profitability of their businesses and ensures Victoria stays at the forefront of global modern farming.
The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to continue growing our strong, innovative and sustainable agriculture sector.
The 2022 Young Farmers Scholarship program will open mid next year. For more information on the program and the next round of scholarships visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/youngfarmers.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“Young farmers are the future of Victoria’s agriculture industry, and we are excited to invest in their skills to support a strong, innovative and sustainable sector.”
“The calibre of the 2021 applicants was excellent and showcases the passion of our young producers to excel in this industry. There’s no doubt that the future of our agriculture sector is in the best hands.”
Media contact: Nadia Dimattina 0438 701 306 │ nadia.dimattina@minstaff.vic.gov.au
The following young farmers representing agricultural industries and regions across Victoria also received scholarships:
• Thomas Amery, cropping and livestock, Benalla
• Andrew Lay, livestock (beef), Baw Baw
• Lianli Lin, aquaculture, Wyndham
• Timothy McCann, dairy, Wellington
• Jackie McGrath, livestock (beef), Benalla
• Jasmine Mcjames-Court, mixed livestock (dairy and beef), South Gippsland
• Tanya McKenzie, livestock (sheep), Ararat
• Grace Morrison, cropping and livestock (sheep), Corangamite
• Brooke Peel, mixed livestock, Moyne
• Lauren Schmidt, cropping and livestock, Wellington
• Daniel Toohey, mixed livestock, Moorabool.

Let’s Talk Water (LTW) is Central Highlands Water’s (CHW) largest community engagement project that informs the next 5-year Pricing Submission. The LTW program focuses on finding out community priorities and learning how CHW can invest in the future of the region.

CHW’s Managing Director, Paul O’Donohue said, “Our customers are at the core of everything we do at CHW and we are asking everyone in our region to add their voice to the conversation, so we can deliver on what matters most to our community.”
“All input we receive is extremely valuable in developing the strategy and planning for our region,”
Mr O’Donohue said.
The Let’s Talk Water program occurs every five years where prices, investments and levels of service are reviewed and approved by its independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission. The next Pricing Submission will cover 2023-2028.
The CHW team has been visiting our region’s communities over the past three weeks, already conducting 10 Let’s Talk Water community pop ups, to continue learning about what is most important to customers.
CHW urges the community to get involved and have their say about the region’s water future through an online customer survey or by joining CHW’s Customer Engagement Panel.
“At CHW, our customers are central to the way we operate and their views help drive our important decisions about our future priorities, as well as how we work,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“The program is an integral opportunity to engage, to listen and to understand our customers, which in turn helps guide us as we proactively establish our approach for the next five years,” he said.
For more information and to get involved, please visit www.chw.net.au/letstalkwater2023

Victoria’s dedicated Landcare and environmental volunteering champions were celebrated at the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards ceremony for their outstanding work in caring for the state’s environment and biodiversity.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated the recipients of the Victorian Landcare Awards, which recognise individuals and groups across the state for their outstanding contributions to preserving Victoria’s incredible landscapes.
The awards celebrate the incredible efforts of individuals and groups, of all ages, to protect the AREA’S natural resources, stewarding a more resilient landscape for the future.
The 2021 Victorian Landcare Award winners in Macedon include:
ACM Landcare Community Group Award
• Newham and District Landcare Group has achieved significant environmental outcomes, with a focus on waterway health and protection of remnant vegetation.
The group’s main project has been the Cobaw Biolink which connects habitat for native species on both public and private land between Mount Macedon and Cobaw State Forest.
Environmental Youth Action Scholarship
• Students from years 9 and 10 at the Alice Miller School will work with the Landcare facilitator from Upper Campaspe Landcare Network to create habitat for indigenous pollinators on the school grounds at Macedon.
The Victorian Government is providing $51.9 million over the next four years to deliver ‘unique biodiversity protection through community-driven action’, which includes the Victorian Landcare Program.
The vital work of Landcare and environmental volunteers contributes to meeting the targets of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037. This is the state’s plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.
For more information about the awards, visit www.landcarevic.org.au.
Mary-Anne Thomas MP said:
“The Landcare Awards are a great celebration of the breadth of Landcare and environmental volunteering in in the Macedon Ranges with the awards recognising individuals, groups and partnerships, importantly including First Nations custodians caring for Country.”
“We are seeing real and substantial outcomes from the dedication and commitment of community Landcarers, and it is so important that we continue to support and recognise their tremendous efforts.”

The State Government has released its Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy, setting the vision for boating investment and infrastructure until 2030.

The strategy is the first-of-its-kind with Better Boating Victoria leading the development in a co-design process with boating stakeholders over the past year.
Guiding Government investment in improving recreational boating, the strategy outlines priorities identified by boaters through extensive consultation, including drop-in sessions at key boating locations. A ministerial roundtable was also created to inform the strategy and included industry leaders.
Among the projects earmarked for funding is more than $1 million in upgrades at Rocklands Reservoir and Lonsdale and Toolondo in the West. There is also $400,000 for a new pontoon at Barrier Landing on the Gippsland Lakes, $250,000 for pontoon upgrades at Ocean Grove, $250,000 to upgrade Lake Buffalo boat ramp in the north-east and the expansion of the Boating Vic camera network to Lake Eppalock.
Accessible boating facilities for people of all abilities have been identified as a priority for future investment across the state, enabling everyone to experience Victoria’s popular recreational boating opportunities.
Boating communities across Port Phillip and Western Port will benefit from a host of upgrades with more than $2 million to be allocated at 14 locations, including in Geelong, Altona, Mornington, Werribee South, Avalon, Cowes, Capel Sound, St Leonards, and Cannons Creek.
The strategy also outlines a $1 million dredging grants program for ramp managers to fund maintenance where sand and sediment accumulation may affect access, an issue common at some coastal marine ramps.
Maintenance needs will be further addressed through a $2 million structural maintenance grants program to support upgrades to pontoons, jetties, ramps, and car parks. While $1 million is being provided to boost navigational safety on our waterways – plans will progress for future upgrades across the state.
Underpinned by the strategy, annual action plans will allocate the yearly investment from the Better Boating Fund. This fund was established in 2021 to put recreational boating registration and licence fees to work. The Fund is reinvesting a record $33 million this financial year into projects and programs to make boating even better.
Better Boating Victoria will manage the fund’s distribution, having already made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps – and is delivering the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state’s history.
To view the Strategy and 2021/22 Action Plan, visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au/boatingstrategy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“The development of this strategy through consultation with boaters ensures our unprecedented investment is funding the right projects in the right places.”
“Boaters told us what their priorities were in their regions, and the strategy has acted on that feedback to make boating even better across Victoria – whether it be cheaper, safer or more accessible boating.”

The State Government is transforming Bacchus Marsh into a bigger, better and more accessible location for visitors with the development of a destination park and new trail.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the 1000+ Steps Trail in Darley, Bacchus Marsh to announce a $1.6 million injection to support the project’s expansion.
The funding will enable the development of a second trail – the 1001 Steps All Accessibility and Sculpture Trail – and will take the total investment in the landmark initiative to $2.1 million.
The Labor Government has backed this project through the Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – a critical component of the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
The Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps Trail and the 1001 Steps All Accessibility and Sculpture Trail form part of the Bald Hill Activation Plan, creating a destination park and increasing visitation to Moorabool Shire.
Work has begun on the existing track which will reconstruct the Lerderberg walking trail, with 1000 steps leading to the Bald Hill lookout, promoting exercise and recreation as well as art spaces.
The 1001 Steps trail will build on this attraction, with an accessible trail linking Telford Park to the Bald Hill lookout with impressive views of the Moorabool Valley. Works will also include additional carparking and the installation of sculptures at the beginning of the trail.
Once complete, the destination park and trail will drive new jobs and investment to the region and is forecast to attract up to 83,000 visitors to Darley each year, contributing $2 million to the local economy.
The Labor Government has invested almost $30 billion in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information on the Regional Infrastructure Fund – part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund – go to rdv.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“The 1001 steps trail and destination park will provide a terrific boost for local businesses and jobs. We know visitors will flock to the Steps trails in large numbers.”
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said:
“These trails will further expand regional Victoria’s famed tourism offering – it’s another fantastic attraction that will have flow-on benefits for many businesses in the region.”
Member for Melton Steve McGhie said:
“We are excited to support this project, that will bring more people to our region, while promoting exercise, recreation and artwork.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This is great news for Darley, for the Moorabool community and beyond. This project will support local jobs, provide a boost for local businesses and drive more visitors to the area.”

After extensive community consultation earlier this year, the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 (DAMP) has been developed and is now out for public comment.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to review the draft document and provide feedback on a proposed framework for services, programs and initiatives that promote responsible ownership of dogs and cats in the community. “We value pets and the role they play in the community but owning a cat or dog comes with responsibilities to ensure the safety of your pet and the community, and to protect our natural environment and native wildlife.” The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan is an important document that focusses on:  encouraging responsible pet ownership  promoting awareness and behaviour change  improving dog and cat registration rates  reducing the number of wandering dogs and cats  reducing the impacts of cats on the environment  further enhancing the use of public places for exercising dogs. All Victorian Councils are required by the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare and implement a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years to guide decision making in relation to animal management for dogs and cats “Council values community feedback and we want to hear from both animal owners, and residents without pets, to ensure the final plan balances the needs of pet owners with those of the wider community and increases the awareness of the animal management services that Council provides,” Cr Anderson said. Get involved and have your say  Online: at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
 In-person: get your paper copy of the plan at a customer service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend  In writing: PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 or email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au  Call: 5422 0333 Feedback is welcome until 5pm on Tuesday 4 January 2022. It is anticipated that the final plan will be presented to Council in early 2022 for endorsement.

Local residents, Councillors and staff and have been left bewildered following the vandalism of three young trees in the Gisborne Botanic Gardens over the weekend of 4/5 December, that at maturity would have become a significant addition to the gardens.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said she is extremely dismayed and failed to understand the motivation behind their senseless destruction.
“It is disappointing that such a thoughtless act can destroy such lovely young trees and put the progress of the planting back almost two years.”
“The vandalised trees, two Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) and one Maidenhair (Ginkgo biloba) were planted in the last 18 months by Council as part of the implementation of recommendations of the Gisborne Botanic Gardens masterplan.”
“From all reports the trees were growing well and we have been receiving positive feedback from members of the public of ‘they will look good in time’. Unfortunately, we will have to go back to square one and replace them at significant extra cost during the 2022 planting season.”
“The vandalism has been reported to the Gisborne Police and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward,” she said.
The Gisborne Botanic Gardens were officially opened 25 years ago and since then have become a favourite location for local residents and visitors due the diverse plant collection. The Master Plan provides a guide for future improvement, development, management, operation and programming/activation for the gardens.

The State Government has opened two new fishways at weirs in Koondrook and Cohuna connecting 140 kilometres of prime fish habitat in Gunbower Creek to 530 kilometres of open Murray River to boost native fish populations.

The next generation of female sporting leaders will be supported to reach their potential thanks to the latest round of scholarships offered by the State Government.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced 49 recipients of the Change Our Game Scholarship Grants program, who represent a diversity of sports including swimming, gymnastics, touch football and rowing.
Each recipient will receive a scholarship up to $10,000 to pursue professional development opportunities, training courses and assist with paid or volunteer roles across the sector.
Among the recipients is Ella Squires of Touch Football Victoria who will undertake the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme and Priscilla Duncan of Cricket Victoria who will complete studies at Melbourne Business School.
Organisations have also received scholarships to facilitate courses for emerging leaders within their community, including Wyndham City Council and Life Saving Victoria.
The Change Our Game Scholarship Grants program is offered through the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and has invested more than $1.4 million through 263 grants for Victorian women since the program commenced in 2018.
To find out more about Change Our Game visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said:
“The Change Our Game Scholarships deliver critical funding to women in sport and I can’t wait to see them pursue their passion for leadership in the sector.”
“We have made huge investments to help level the playing field for women and girls who want to get involved in sport and active recreation – whether on or off the field.”
Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Director Sarah Styles said:
“These scholarships are a great example of how the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation is supporting women and girls to follow their dream, reach their full sporting potential and develop the next generation of leaders.”
Previous scholarship recipient Kirsty Wrice said:
“The Change Our Game scholarship has given me a renewed confidence and drive in both my professional and personal life, and further aided my aspirations to become an emerging leader within the sports industry.”

The State Government has unveiled another major funding boost for skills and training to support the huge growth in enrolments that its landmark Free TAFE initiative is delivering across Victoria.

More than 100,000 Victorians have signed up to the Labor Government’s Free TAFE program since it was introduced in 2019 – making rewarding career pathways accessible to more Victorians and saving them more than $220 million in cumulative course fees.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today joined students and staff at William Angliss TAFE to mark the milestone and announce $108 million in new Labor Government funding for the sector.
The extra support will deliver a 25 per cent boost in funding – taking the Government’s investment to $530 million over two years. It will help TAFEs continue to recover from the challenges of the pandemic and importantly provide the skills we need as Victoria recovers, through course delivery and student services.
Half of Free TAFE students are women, 45 per cent are from culturally diverse backgrounds, 43 per cent were unemployed and more than 40 per cent live with disability – making training and skilled jobs a reality for every Victorian.
Importantly, the program is supporting critical industries by providing a pipeline of skilled workers for jobs now and into the future. The most popular Free TAFE courses include Nursing, Accounting and Bookkeeping and Cyber Se-curity.
Free TAFE enrolments in Early Childhood Education and Care courses more than doubled since they were added to the list last year, meeting demand from the Labor Government’s newly introduced free Three-Year Old Kinder ini-tiative, while hospitality courses are bolstering the local industry as it recovers from the pandemic.
The initiative will grow to more than 60 courses next year, ensuring training continues to meet key priority areas and skills demands while also boosting the Victorian economy.
Since 2014, the Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “This is a huge milestone for our Free TAFE program – I’m so proud we are helping 100,000 Victorians get the skills they need for rewarding jobs, and delivered Victorian businesses the workers they need for the jobs of the future.”
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said: “We’re putting TAFEs at the heart of our training system, providing a major funding boost to help the system recover from the pandemic and ensure Victorians have world-class opportunities into the future.” Quote attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt “Free TAFE and the system has been a game-changer – giving more Victorians access to training and new careers, and delivering the skilled workers our fastest-growing industries need to boost the state’s economy.”

Victorian students will have better school environments to learn and succeed in, with the State Government funding key maintenance projects at schools right across the state.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced that 94 schools will share in $7.26 million of Planned Maintenance Program funding for vital improvements to classrooms and school grounds.
The projects address priority maintenance issues identified by the Labor Government’s ongoing evaluation of all school facilities – with work including fixing roofs and windows, repainting walls, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, pathways and stairs.
Almost $1 million of the funding will go towards maintenance to Shelter-in-Place buildings at 10 schools, which provide temporary accommodation to staff and students during a bushfire until emergency services arrive, or as a shelter of last resort.
The announcement brings the amount of Planned Maintenance funding the Labor Government has provided to schools in the 2021 school year to more than $47 million.
This fund makes sure all existing buildings at Victoria’s 1,500 government schools are safe, modern and properly maintained to ensure students and staff are comfortable and safe at school.
In the past seven years, the Labor Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating more than 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
With 62 schools opening between 2019 and 2024, the Government is well ahead in its work to open 100 new schools by 2026, ensuring every Victorian child has access to a great local school.
Minister for Education James Merlino “This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is well maintained and safe to provide the best possible environment for students to learn in.” “Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families.”