STUDENT facilities at two Gannawarra Shire schools are set to be improved thanks to the Federal Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund.
Cohuna Secondary College will receive funding of $1,242,469 to demolish and replace existing toilets and change rooms, along with repairing external walls and refurbishment of the drama room flooring.
Koondrook Primary School is set to receive $537,511 for new playground and shade sails as well as replacement of playground equipment and flooring.
School principal Amanda Bradford said the school, which has 160 students, was rapt to be awarded the grant.
“The school council has been wanting to do something with the play area and we really didn’t have the funds,” Ms Bradford said.
“We would have only been able to do something very minor in comparison.
“The Federal Government gave us the opportunity to apply for a grant and we were successful. This will give us a nice new playground.”
Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster said she congratulated both Cohuna Secondary College and Koondrook Primary School as well as all the other schools who were successful recipients.
“This investment will make a significant impact on the learning environments and the quality of facilities available to our students,” Dr Webster said.
Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart said the government’s Schools Upgrade Fund is making a real difference to schools, teachers and students across regional and rural Victoria – “like the ones I grew up around”.
“Whether it is funding to build new classrooms or upgrade playgrounds, Labor is investing in a better and fairer education system so teachers and students in the country can enjoy the same facilities as those in our capital cities,” Senator Stewart said.
Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, said he wanted all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on.
“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to new outdoor equipment and replacing demountables, this funding will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most,” Mr Clare said.
“This is another important step in building a better and fairer education system.”
The Fund will deliver an estimated $48 million for infrastructure projects aimed at Victorian public schools.
Round 2 of the funding was open to all public schools. Applications closed in February with schools submitting their projects to the relevant state and territory education departments which made recommendations to the Australian Government.
